Lesley-Ann Brandt, known worldwide for her role as Maze in Lucifer, is calling on the global community to join her in a mission to support underserved youth in South Africa. Teaming up with Urban 728 Yoga, the Kay Mason Foundation, and Earthchild Project, Lesley-Ann is launching the Sweat With Purpose 21-Day Yoga Challenge — a month-long fundraiser to help South African children access critical resources, holistic education, and personal growth opportunities.
In a recent Instagram post, the Hollywood actress challenged her 3 million followers to donate to this worthy cause.
Lesley-Ann, who was born and raised in Cape Town, remains deeply connected to her roots and has long championed causes that lift up her homeland. As part of this commitment, she’s inviting participants from around the world to flow with her for 21 days, raising funds and awareness for South African youth who face daily struggles with gang violence, substance abuse, and a lack of quality education. For Lesley-Ann, this initiative represents a way to channel her love for yoga into a movement for collective good.
“As a global community, we have all felt shaken by recent events,” she says. “In times like these, when I can’t control the world around me, I lean into service. I look to the helpers—the people working hard to make it better for our kids because they are all our kids, no matter where they are.”
Lesley-Ann’s yoga journey is deeply personal, providing a rare space where her mind is truly still, and it’s this sense of peace that she hopes to share through Sweat With Purpose. Partnering with Earthchild Project, which introduces yoga, meditation, and environmental education to young learners in Cape Town’s underserved schools, and the Kay Mason Foundation, which provides scholarships and personal development to disadvantaged South African youth, she sees the 21-day yoga challenge as a powerful tool to uplift children who deserve brighter futures.
“These kids are incredible,” she reflects. “They face challenges that many of us can’t imagine, but they come to yoga to find peace and purpose. With Earthchild Project, they’re learning mindfulness and self-awareness; with the Kay Mason Foundation, they’re getting the support to break the cycle of inequality and create something better for themselves. Our goal is to create future leaders who can transform the world.”
Participants are encouraged to join the challenge in any way they can. Donations of any amount will directly support the programs, providing youth with the holistic tools and educational resources they need to succeed. For those unable to donate, she urges them to spread the word or participate in the challenge with their local yoga communities.
All funds raised during Sweat With Purpose will directly benefit Earthchild Project and the Kay Mason Foundation, supporting programs that build resilience, self-awareness, and leadership skills in South African youth. Participants across the globe will be able to unite virtually, joining Lesley-Ann in each day of flow and mindfulness while making a lasting impact.
“Together, we can help these kids reach their potential,” Lesley-Ann adds. “We can bring joy and hope to them — and give back in ways that will transform lives.”
To join the Sweat With Purpose 21-Day Yoga Challenge or make a donation, visit kmf.org.za/sweat-with-purpose-usa. All donations made in the U.S., South Africa, and the U.K. are tax-deductible.
