In our ninth episode, we talk with Edwin Cleophas: a theologian, psychometrist, and antiracist activist from South Africa. Cleophas has a compelling story: once a gang member in South Africa, he is now an international advocate for social justice with four degrees in higher education. Cleophas speaks with passion and precision about the stakes of antiracism, reparations, his role as a disruptor, and the indescribable value of affinity spaces. He shares about his heartbreak over how South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation process did not address the immediate and long-term consequences of the horrific practices of apartheid, and speaks to what truly transformative accountability after harm could look like. Listen in to learn more about how global antiracist efforts are linked and how self-compassion makes those efforts possible.
Edwin Cleophas is the Managing Director of The Social Justice Agency, where he passionately works to mitigate racial disparities and foster equity in South Africa. In this role, he collaborates with various organizations, including prestigious universities and civil society groups, showcasing his adept skills in partnership building. Edwin had a pivotal impact in his previous role as secretary general for Social Cohesion and Nation Building at the South Africa Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Grounded in his strong foundation in youth development, Edwin also founded Project No Limits, an after-school program in Kleinvlei, Eersterivier. With a solid educational background in Theology, Psychology, and Development Studies, and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University, Edwin’s unwavering dedication to social justice and youth development truly sets him apart as a leader and change-maker in his community and beyond.
You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of "Fierce Compassion" at antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast. For more information about our Antiracist Conversations book series, visit antiracistconversations.com
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This episode was produced by hannah rubin.
