Thapelo Mohapi was born in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape and raised in Durban, Kwazulu Natal. He is the former General Secretary of Abahlali baseMjondolo Movement SA. Prior to that, he was the chairperson of the Briardene branch in Durban within the movement. AbM is a movement that fights for land, housing and the dignity of the poor in South Africa. Thapelo has represented Abahlali on many national and international platforms. Under his leadership the movement of Abahlali grew from 13 000 to 55000 member in a space of three years. As a result of this growth, he faced many attacks from the ruling party and was forced into hiding.
He is currently working as a senior organiser for Ndifuna Ukwazi, an NGO that campaigns to advance urban land justice in Cape Town. He remains a member of Abahlali baseMjondolo and an advisor to the National Council of the movement.
He believes in two things that can change the life of South Africans. He believes that it is only when people are democratically organised from grass roots that the political frame of the country will change. He also believes that South Africa needs selfless leaders in order to change the status quo of corruption.