BY WANDA AUGUSTYN
You might know Aware.org as the organisation behind harm reduction in the alcohol industry. You might not know that behind every campaign and public safety message is a small team of passionate, whip-smart individuals reshaping how South Africa drinks, responsibly, thoughtfully, and with care for each other.
As a member of South Africa Wine, you are part of this mission, too, because South Africa Wine is a proud member of Aware.org. That means your commitment to sustainability and social responsibility isn’t just a tick-box; it’s part of a bigger movement to create a safer, more mindful alcohol culture in South Africa.
So, who are the humans driving this change? Let’s introduce the team and the people driving this purpose from the vineyards to the tavern. And next time you raise a glass, raise it to the Aware squad too. They’re the quiet force helping South Africa drink more responsibly, live more consciously, and drive home safely.
Mokebe Thulo – The culture shifter (CEO)
If you think behavioural change sounds clinical, you haven’t met Mokebe. She’s the leader who talks about dignity and empathy with the same gravity as data and strategy. Under her leadership, Aware.org has moved from box-ticking to heart-listening. Her dream project (if she weren’t so busy being brilliant at this one)? Engineering. Because, naturally, she thrives on problem-solving, building systems, and making complex things work better. Kind of like she’s doing now, but with people.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind as CEO of AWARE.org?
I hope to leave a culture where people feel seen, heard, and empowered – where purpose-led decisions and accountability are matched by compassion. If Aware.org becomes a place that changes lives because of how we show up, not just what we do, then I’ll consider that a legacy worth leaving.
Lebogang Mashigo – The changemaker in Converse
Lebogang is proudly from Hammanskraal, and it shows. Resilient, optimistic, and relentlessly forward-looking, he’s the one making sure road safety campaigns don’t just make headlines, they make an impact. His Roundtable on Road Safety brought the big thinkers to the table, but the grassroots dream of a massive #NoToUnder18 campaign gets him really fired up. His motto? Start young, aim high, and don’t underestimate the power of your hometown hustle.
If you could launch any dream project at Aware.org, what would it focus on?
A nationwide #NoToUnder18 drinking campaign with unlimited budget. The crux of our problems should be addressed at a grassroots level. Alcohol consumption has been associated with a range of negative consequences on underage drinkers, such as impaired cognitive performance, physical health and psychosocial functioning. Studies in South Africa have estimated youth drinking at 32%, especially between the ages of 11–20 years, while 12% of teenagers are reported to initiate alcohol use before 13 years of age. This problem affects young people in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas. If we can solve this problem earlier, we will have a better South Africa.
Deveshani Pillay – The empath with evidence
Don’t be fooled by her calm demeanour, Deveshani’s psychology background makes her a secret weapon in designing interventions that touch hearts and hold up to scrutiny. She’s part behavioural expert, part data ninja, and part wellness ambassador (book + walk + painting = recipe for sanity). Her long-term vision? Healthier families, safer communities, and a culture where kids grow up free to thrive, not just survive.
What long-term change would you love to see in South Africa due to the #No to U18 and Sober Pregnancies campaigns?
A long-term change that I would love to see in South Africa would be a shift in attitudes and norms around alcohol use, especially among vulnerable populations. Ultimately, the vision is to create healthier families, safer communities, and a country where children are born into environments that support their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Buhle Mazibuko – The road warrior with a heart
Buhle’s not here for slogans; she’s here for real change. Her work on the “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign saves lives, full stop. But if she could step into someone else’s shoes for a day? Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers. Because service is her love language, and humility is her superpower. Her big dream? For harm reduction to be as normal as Sunday braais and traffic on the N1.
What’s been the most rewarding part of working on the Don’t Drink & Drive campaign?
The most rewarding part has been seeing fundamental shifts in public attitudes and behaviour, when people begin to internalise the message that drinking and driving is not just illegal but deeply irresponsible. Knowing that our efforts save lives, even if we can’t always measure every outcome, is incredibly fulfilling.
