Human Animal Project – An Intersectional Approach to Social Justice Activism

The Human Animal Project aims to address the root cause of oppression by encouraging a rejection of the structures and institutions that link the commodification and exploitation of animals, vulnerable human populations, and the environment.

By creating a safe space for change makers; and through continuous dialogue and collaboration, the Human Animal Project is committed to changing the South African social justice landscape.

Our continuing moral pursuit is not to determine who deserves violence and who does not but rather to end all violence and exploitation.

Our first event features respected global activists share their theories and experiences to encourage local dialogue with the goal of bringing local perspective into these conversations and building grassroots action for systemic change.

Syl Ko is an independent researcher focused on decolonial thinking and its implications surrounding ethical ideas about nonhuman animals. Her work introduces Black Veganism, a view that challenges conventional approaches to animal advocacy by exploring how de-
centering human beings from moral frameworks (such as in racism) prevents the possibility of a genuine animal ethic.

Yvette Baker is a Los Angeles-based writer, educator, social critic, and lifelong social justice advocate. Her work intricately examines the intersections of human and beyond-human oppression through an Afro-Indigenous lens.

With extensive experience working with various animal rights organizations, Yvette has consistently highlighted the importance of understanding systemic oppression. She emphasizes the principle of collective liberation as a vital tool for building bridges between different movements for justice and collective empowerment.

Christopher “Soul” Eubanks is a social justice advocate, public speaker and non-profit director who has dedicated himself to advocating for collective liberation. He has spoken at numerous colleges and universities including Harvard University and has been featured in Vox Media’s Future Perfect 50, highlighting 50 individuals around the world working on solutions to today’s (and tomorrow’s) biggest problems. Christopher is the founder of APEX Advocacy, a non-profit animal rights organization that teaches grassroots activism and creates various campaigns to empower Black, Indigenous and People of colour to advocate for animal rights.

Ayanda Komani

A Local Voice for Multi-Species Justice
Ayanda Junior Komani is a passionate advocate for social justice, dedicated to raising awareness about the intertwined oppression and violence against both humans and non-human species.

Born and raised in South Africa, Ayanda has witnessed firsthand the impact of systemic violence and the rise of capitalism, which perpetuate oppression across all forms of life. His advocacy is deeply rooted in the belief that true liberation requires a fundamental understanding of how human and animal suffering are interconnected.

Somisa My-Girl Mhangwana

Advocate for a Greener Future
“I believe that it takes one voice to make an echo, and I want to be a part of the many voices that are making a difference. It’s exciting, enjoyable, and informative for me to engage in these types of societies and movements. They provide me with a platform to put my thoughts, beliefs, and ideas into action.”

Somisa’s passion for change, combined with her vision for a sustainable and inclusive future, makes her an inspiring leader within the Human Animal Project community.