EDITORIAL BRIGHT MINDS
SA Harvest's Ali Conn recognised among Africa's Top 100 Brightest Young Minds
Ali Conn
SA Harvest’s Ali Conn has been awarded the prestigious accolade of being among Africa’s 100 Brightest Young Minds, in an initiative endorsed and supported by the African contingent of the World Food Programme (WFP), a United Nations (UN) initiative, which underscores the significance and impact of BYM on the African continent and globally.
B
rightest Young Minds (BYM) is a prestigious awards
respond to the dire hunger crisis in South Africa and founded
organisation that identifies and honours young
the non-profit UPcycle Project, which was later invited to join
individuals who are making a positive impact in
Western Cape's greening initiatives.
their fields and communities. It provides them with
Then in 2019, Conn joined SA Harvest, a non-profit
a platform to showcase their work and achievements. The
organisation that aims to create equal access to nutrition
organisation is committed to supporting the growth and
and eliminate waste in the food chain in South Africa. He
development of young talent on the African continent and
champions innovation, design, storytelling and amplifies SA
creating a brighter future for all.
Harvest's voice where it matters, and has contributed to SA Harvest having rescued 11 million kilograms of food and
Exceptional contribution to food rescue and hunger relief
delivering 36 million meals to communities in need, in just
As a recipient of this award, Ali Conn has been recognised for
Young South Africans by the Mail & Guardian, and Africa’s 100
his exceptional contribution to food rescue and hunger relief
Brightest Young Minds by the BYM organisation.
39 months. In 2022, he was selected for the list of Top 200
organisation SA Harvest, which is dedicated to improving food security and nutrition in South Africa through a unique model
An out-of-the-box thinker
of food rescue and systemic intervention. The organisation’s
“It’s incredibly humbling to have been selected for this
ultimate goal is to end hunger in South Africa.
award, however, it’s the SA Harvest team who deserves the
The recognition of being selected as one of Africa's top
recognition. What the team has done in the past three years is
100 brightest young minds is testament to Conn's hard work,
absolutely breathtaking; each and every one of the SA Harvest
dedication, and impact, both through his involvement with SA
team members are my inspiration and I’m so proud to be part
Harvest and his individual achievements.
of a team that’s changing the country’s food landscape for the
Ali Conn is a former creative producer who has previously
Alan Browde, CEO and founder of SA Harvest, says: “Ali
Nitro Circus, Afropunk and others, and has also worked with
Conn is not only exceptionally bright, he is also an unusual,
Qatar's leading independent production house, servicing
out-of-the-box thinker. This attribute, combined with his
documentaries for companies including National Geographic
powerful creativity has made a significant impact on SA
and Animal Planet.
Harvest’s ability to make a difference to millions of lives over
He has worked with stars such as The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2015, he changed tack to
70
betterment of all South Africans,” said Conn.
worked on international productions, including X Factor UK,
SA PROFILE www.saprofilemagazine.co.za
the years. He deserves this accolade and the SA Harvest is proud of him.” ■