With COVID preventing Arm in Arm from making its annual trip earlier this year – interrupting 20 consecutive years of visits -- we collaborated with a fantastic team of African-based videographers to bring you the latest stories in Arm in Arm in Action.

The team – led Ashleigh Hamilton and Josie Borain -- traveled from Malungeni to Gugulethu in May and June to capture hours of interviews and entertainment. Our team also included Lwazi Tom, a resident of Mthatha, who was able to collaborate with Josie in Malungeni and expand his portfolio of work. Back in Minneapolis, Christopher Hermann, well-known to SJRer, edited and produced the program.

Ashleigh is a senior producer and director based in Cape Town. In her career, focused on healthcare and justice issues, she has covered a breadth of stories in South Sudan, Kenya, Myanmar, and South Africa.

Ashleigh’s work in these remote, challenging settings has left her with a unique perspective as a video journalist.

“I’ve met some of the most incredible people on these projects. What I’m always blown away by is the compassion and the joy, and the humility and the selflessness, that these people have. They are so willing to share without any kind of acknowledgement.”

Josie, recognized as South Africa’s first super model during her fashion career, has moved to the other side of the camera and routinely teams with Ashleigh on projects.

Both were particularly moved by their interaction with our Arm in Arm’s ‘family’ at JL Zwane where they filmed the choir earlier this month.

“The choir was so moving...so welcoming, such a wonderful sense of ubuntu,” Ashleigh commented. “They were so complimentary of Arm in Arm in Africa. We captured some glorious dancing. They were so proud to show off their ability.”

Be sure to join us July 17th to see the wonderful work of the Arm In Arm In Africa video team.

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