Phelisa has been a dedicated activist and literary advocate since 1999, empowering young people through education and social justice. Prior to MCSJ, she has contributed to the South African Mobile Library Association (SAMLA), helping kids from ages 6-16 read and write. 

In 2018, she joined MCSJ as a volunteer, but she quickly became a cherished leader within the movement. In 2020, she was elected Treasurer General, where she now continued to support the movement’s mission through managing its finances. 

Phelisa currently coordinates the campaign for the construction of the District Hospital in Gugulethu, advocating for improved access to quality healthcare to those in Gugulethu and surrounding poor marginalized communities. Her work displays a lifelong passion for advancing education and healthcare through grassroots action.

Lunga was born and raised in Gugulethu and Khayelitsha. He attended Sithembele Matiso High School, formerly known as X3 High School, where he got bit by the activism bug. He was involved in the Young Romans Football Club which played a huge role in his personal and professional development. 

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In 2004, he worked at The Parent Centre as a teen parenting and fatherhood program facilitator. Through this organisation, he became one of the founders of MCSJ in 2016. He served as MCSJ’s treasurer from 2016 to 2020, where he felt it was time to develop other comrades. He’s served his community at different levels – through sports, community building projects, street committees, and organizing schools. 

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He currently acts as coordinator to oversee programs and staff members of the movement. He commits his time and services to all of MCSJ's programs.

In her role at MCSJ, Thandokazi oversees programme implementation, supports community organising forums, coordinates campaigns, and works closely with volunteers and community members to strengthen participatory democracy and social accountability. Her work includes community mobilisation, social audits, campaign strategy, and political education, all aimed at ensuring that public institutions are responsive to the needs of the people they serve.

Thandokazi is a co-founder of the Social Justice Coalition (SJC), a grassroots social movement that advocates for improved safety, justice, and access to basic services in working-class communities. Through SJC, she was actively involved in criminal justice and local government campaigns, including advocacy linked to the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of Police Inefficiency and a Breakdown in Relations between the Police and the Community. This work focused on policing accountability, community safety, and justice reform.

Vatiswa is a dedicated Office Administrator at MCSJ, a role she has held since 2024. She is also an active community leader in the Khikhi area of Gugulethu, Cape Town, where she works closely with community members to address local challenges and promote development initiatives.

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Vatiswa began her professional career as an Assistant Teacher in the Eastern Cape, where she developed a passion for working with people and supporting community development. After moving to Cape Town, she gained valuable experience working at Metrofile as a Data Capturer, where she strengthened her administrative and organisational skills.

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In her current role at MCSJ, Vatiswa is responsible for managing office operations, organizing files, and ensuring efficient administrative processes. Her role also extends to supporting community programs and contributing to initiatives that aim to uplift and empower local residents.