Kumi Naidoo

Kumi Naidoo is a lifelong campaigner in the realm of social and environmental justice, originating from South Africa. He served as Amnesty International’s ninth Secretary General from 2018 to 2020. Naidoo brings an extensive legacy of activism that transcends both geographic and temporal boundaries.

Born in Durban in 1965, Naidoo’s commitment to justice was evident from the age of 15 when he organized and participated in courageous anti-apartheid protests. This act of defiance resulted in his expulsion from school, catalyzing a lifelong dedication to activism. He became deeply involved in the anti-apartheid movement, orchestrating mass mobilizations and resisting the oppressive regime. Charged with defying state-of-emergency regulations, he was compelled to go underground before fleeing to the United Kingdom, where he remained in self-imposed exile until the seminal release of Nelson Mandela.

Upon his return to a transforming South Africa in 1990, Naidoo devoted himself to establishing Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress as a legal political entity. His efforts were primarily focused on educational initiatives, particularly adult literacy and voter education, aimed at uplifting historically disenfranchised communities.

Naidoo’s leadership trajectory took a significant turn when he assumed the role of Executive Director of Greenpeace International. His reputation as a resolute activist was further solidified through acts of civil disobedience. Notably, in 2011, he was arrested for scaling an oil rig in Greenland to deliver an anti-drilling petition, and a year later, he occupied a Russian oil rig in the Barents Sea. These bold actions underscored his unwavering commitment to environmental justice.

More recently, Naidoo has co-founded and serves as the Global Ambassador of Africans Rising for Justice, Peace, and Dignity. This dynamic pan-African movement unites trade unions, NGOs, religious groups, and civil society organizations to ensure that Africa’s economic development benefits its populace.

In a personal homage, Naidoo’s family established the Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism, inspired by the influential legacy of South African rapper Rikhado “Riky Rick” Makhado. In 2022, Naidoo published his award-winning book, “Letters To My Mother: The Makings of a Troublemaker,” and he continues to amplify voices for change as the host of the “Power, People and Planet” podcast. This platform brings together pioneering activists, artists, and community leaders to explore ways to dismantle systemic inequalities and build a better future.