Rifumo Mathebula named Obama Foundation African Leader
Rifumo Mathebula, a South African conservation photographer, has been named to the 2026 Obama Foundation African Leaders cohort. His work with Wild Shots Outreach focuses on using photography and visual storytelling to connect disadvantaged youth with wildlife conservation.
Why it matters
This recognition highlights the impact of grassroots leadership and creative education in addressing conservation and social inequality in Africa.
A South African conservation photographer who grew up in a rural community bordering the Kruger National Park has been selected for the Obama Foundation’s 2026 African Leaders cohort.
At 29, Rifumo Mathebula, who is the Programme Director of Wild Shots Outreach , has moved from a childhood spent herding livestock near one of Africa’s most prominent protected areas to an international leadership programme focused on strengthening the work of emerging African leaders.
Wild Shots Outreach announced Mathebula’s selection in a press release, describing the recognition as acknowledgement of his work using photography, conservation and visual storytelling to create opportunities for young people.
Mathebula grew up close to the Kruger National Park, but proximity did not necessarily translate into access to the wildlife on his doorstep.
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