Teenage change agents

From rhino conservationists and entrepreneurs, to ballerinas and community workers, kids in Cape Town do amazing things. We caught up with some of the city’s young shooting stars.

Hunter Mitchell, 10, ambassador: Saving Private Rhino

When Hunter Mitchell first heard of the plight of orphaned rhino Osita on New Year’s Eve 2015, he jumped into action and rounded up support from friends and family to raise funds to care for the calf. Aiming to raise R1 000, Hunter was thrilled to reach nearly R10 000 in just two weeks. He was only eight years old at the time.

“I’ve always loved the amazing wildlife all over the planet, especially in Africa. In South Africa, we are so lucky to be home to some of the world’s most incredible animals, but it’s no secret that our rhinos are in serious trouble.

“Knowing that the abandoned baby was going to grow up without his mom made me sad, so I started my fundraising project, ‘Raise the baby rhino with Hunter’ the same day that he was born. I started o with my pocket money and asked my family and my friends to help,” recalls Hunter, now 10 years old.