Thumbnail: Kaden Koopman fights crime, violence, homelessness, exclusion, and inequality through partnerships, advocacy, and youth development initiatives in the Cape Flats of South Africa. In 2021 Koopman founded the World Peace and Development Network, which he funds with his own resources. He challenges gangsterism and drug trafficking, exposing himself to attacks.

Profile: Raised in an under-resourced and violent community, Kaden Koopman’s life experience drew him into activism: “From a young age, I witnessed the challenges in my community—crime, violence, housing struggles, inequality, and barriers preventing youth and vulnerable groups from reaching their potential. These experiences inspired me to step forward, to transform individual mindsets, and to work toward communities that are peaceful, empowered, and inclusive,” said Koopman.

In 2021 Koopman formed the World Peace and Development Network to promote peace in South Africa and beyond. His philosophy guides the organization: “Ultimately, global peace requires collaboration between governments, organisations, and communities, but most importantly, it requires a shift in mindset from division and survival to unity, healing, and shared humanity. One of the key requirements for global peace is social and economic justice. Many of the conflicts we see today are rooted in inequality, poverty, exclusion, and lack of access to opportunities. When people feel marginalised or left behind, it often leads to frustration, violence, and instability. Therefore, investing in education, skills development, and economic empowerment is critical.”

The World Peace and Development Network is based on peace building and social cohesion, human development and empowerment, family strengthening, civic participation, and rehabilitation. Koopman focuses on educating people, providing them with skills, and strengthening their families. He promotes responsible citizenship and political engagement, particularly among youth. And he leads initiatives in conflict mediation, human rights education, women and youth empowerment, and community dialogues. With the motto, “Building Leaders, Peace, and Change,” Koopman also organises community meetings and workshops to mentor young people “away from a life of drugs and violence.”

To address increasing challenges of homelessness and illegal evictions in the Cape Flats, Koopman has established partnerships with well-established organisations to address housing rights, urban development, and social justice issues. His strategy is to bridge grassroots realities with structured systems, “to create practical, sustainable solutions that empower communities.”

Koopman mobilises young people to train them on human rights: “I serve as a Peer Educator with Africa Unite, volunteering to teach and develop human rights–based communities. I facilitate workshops, co-lead conflict mediation training, promote social cohesion, equip communities with dispute resolution skills, and strengthen youth advocacy and grassroots engagement.”

Koopman’s work has made an impact, but it comes with challenges. Working in communities with gang violence and drugs and at times criticising them, Koopman exposes himself to significant risks. In South Africa, several activists and whistleblowers have been assassinated for challenging powerful people. In addition, Koopman invests his personal finances “to ensure that programmes and interventions continue to run”.

Koopman is fully aware of these risks and challenges, yet he continues to strive toward meeting his goals:

“While activism and development work come with risks—including emotional strain, criticism, and personal sacrifice—my commitment remains unwavering. I continue this journey because I believe sustainable change requires courage, consistency, and leadership rooted in purpose. My mission is to develop leaders who become agents of change, mediate conflict where divisions exist, and build communities grounded in human rights, dignity, and inclusivity. I am dedicated to transforming individuals, strengthening institutions, and fostering peace across communities, locally and globally.”