In a world that often feels divided, it is more important than ever to listen to one another—not just to hear, but to truly understand. This belief has been the guiding principle of my work, first with the Voices of Humanity project and now with my new initiative, Mantsoe. These projects are deeply interconnected, born from the same desire to give people from all walks of life a platform to share their stories, their dreams, and their humanity.
The Voices of Humanity Expedition
The Voices of Humanity expedition was an incredible journey across continents, made possible by a shared vision and the unwavering support of an amazing team. Sponsored by Nour Addine Ayyoub, whose generosity and belief in the project brought it to life, this initiative sought to amplify voices that often go unheard.
Traveling aboard the ZaiTruck—an expedition vehicle designed by Roelf Mulder and his talented team—our journey was about more than covering physical distances. It was about bridging divides and creating connections. Together, Nour Addine, Roelf, and I embarked on this mission to record and share voices from every corner of the world, asking people one simple yet profound question: What does freedom mean to you?
The voices we encountered were as diverse as they were powerful. A young man in Baltimore spoke passionately about the meaning of freedom in his life. A refugee in Divundu, Namibia, shared his dreams of a better future in the UK, despite the challenges he faced. Each story was a window into the hopes, fears, and aspirations that connect us all.
For me, this journey was humbling. It was a reminder of the profound importance of listening—not to argue or divide, but to build understanding and compassion. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this extraordinary experience, alongside such inspiring individuals as Nour Addine and Roelf, who played a vital role in making this expedition safe, meaningful, and impactful.
Introducing Mantsoe
The inspiration for Mantsoe grew directly from the Voices of Humanity expedition. The voices we gathered along the way made me realize how critical it is to create spaces where people can truly listen to one another. And so, Mantsoe was born—a South African project with global aspirations.
Mantsoe (meaning “voices” in Sesotho) aims to create immersive exhibitions where visitors experience one-on-one connections with recorded voices from people around the world. These exhibitions are designed to foster empathy and kindness by highlighting the shared humanity in our diverse stories.
As the world faces growing intolerance, polarization, and environmental crises, I believe that hope lies in our ability to connect. Voices like that of the refugee from Divundu—often vilified by populist narratives—deserve to be heard. They challenge us to look beyond stereotypes and see the person behind the label.
The Power of Listening
The journey of Voices of Humanity taught me that listening can be transformative. It inspired me to create Mantsoe as a platform for these transformative moments. This is my contribution to a world that desperately needs more understanding and kindness.
Join the Journey
Mantsoe is just beginning, and there is so much more to come. This project has the potential to cross borders and build bridges where walls currently stand. But I cannot do it alone.
If you believe in the power of listening and the importance of empathy, I invite you to join this journey. Visit the Mantsoe page on my website to learn more about the project and how you can support or get involved.
To Nour Addine, Roelf, and everyone who made the Voices of Humanity expedition possible, thank you for believing in this vision. And to all my readers: let’s amplify these voices and work together to create a more compassionate world.
