Niven Reddy’s story begins in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal. Reddy’s deep connection to the environment began during childhood cricket matches in the open air, long before he ever encountered screens. A passionate geography teacher set him on his path. After earning his degree in geography and environmental management from UKZN, Niven, 32, began his journey in environmental justice as an intern at groundWork. Today, he leads African operations for GAIA, coordinating zero-waste projects across over a dozen countries on the continent. Under his leadership, the regional team has grown from a one-person operation to a 14-member network, launching pilot projects in Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa. His work has contributed to campaigns receiving global accolades, including the Goldman Environmental Prize for Semia Gharbi and the Earthshot Prize for GAYO. Niven is a mentor, strategist, and activist who lives his values. He champions the rights and visibility of waste pickers — often overlooked environmental heroes — and centres community-led solutions in every campaign. “As a father and activist, I’m reminded every day why this work matters,” he says. “There is no universal path — we each carve our own.”
Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal – with a focus on geography and environmental management
Recent highlights include contributing to campaigns that have received global recognition. This includes supporting advocacy that contributed to a Goldman Environmental Prize for Semia Gharbi in Tunisia, after successfully campaigning for the return of waste illegally exported from Italy. Her efforts not only made national headlines but also influenced international policy. Support was also provided to the youth-led organisation GAYO in Ghana, which was awarded the Earthshot Prize in Cape Town in 2024 for its groundbreaking zero-waste model. This work has contributed to the establishment of zero-waste model cities across Africa, with pilot projects launched in Ghana, South Africa and Tanzania.
Inspiration has come from many individuals along the journey — from a high school geography teacher who first nurtured my passion for the environment, to the mother- and father-figures of the African environmental justice movement, who have become like family. Figures such as Bobby Peek, Desmond D’Sa, Semia Gharbi and Anabela Lemos continue to inspire through their unwavering commitment to justice, often spanning decades. Their work has shaped my path and serves as a daily reminder of the power of community-led activism. The journey into the environmental justice space began as an intern at GroundWork, marking the start of a deeply fulfilling chapter.