Alistair Conn

Ali Conn, a Rhodes University psychology graduate and media professional, transitioned from television production with industry leaders like the BBC and the X Factor UK to tackling food smnawdxaznecurity in South Africa. His media experience included collaborations with prolific acts like The Rolling Stones and Ed Sheeran, and work for Qatar’s premier independent production house, contributing to platforms like National Geographic. In Cape Town, Conn worked with international brands like Puma, Red Bull, and Afropunk, and produced captivating content for celebrities including Antonio Banderas and Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, Conn’s defining move was shifting to social innovation. He founded UPcycle Project in 2015, addressing food waste and hunger. In 2019, Conn became a founding member and then Chief Innovation Officer at SA Harvest. The organisation has revolutionised South Africa’s food system by rescuing surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, and retailers. Within 3.5 years, 13 million kilograms of food were saved from waste, and with that 43 million meals were distributed to vulnerable communities. The organisation is tech-savvy and actively works towards policy reform.

Conn’s efforts have earned recognition, including a 2017 Eco-Logic Awards Silver Medal, and features on platforms like Discovery Channel and Emirates. In 2022, Mail & Guardian named him among the “Top 200 Young South Africans”, and “Africa’s 100 Brightest Young Minds” as endorsed by the United Nations’ World Food Programme. In 2023, he was invited to lunch with the King & Queen of Belgium during their South Africa State Visit, underlining his environmental and social contributions.

Yet, for Conn, his work’s true success lies in its effect on people, communities, and the planet. His journey, from media to social innovation, has shaped him into a devoted change-maker with a passion for a hunger-free, waste-free world. He envisions a world where SA Harvest’s mission is achieved, an ambition driving him daily.