Kumi Naidoo: 'The struggle has never been about saving the planet'

Greenpeace still accused of colonialism but outgoing South African head has overseen move towards more people-focused, people-powered movement

When Kumi Naidoo was approached to be head of Greenpeace in 2009 he was 19 days into a hunger strike, in an effort to draw attention to the plight of millions of Zimbabweans facing severe food shortages. The head of a South African community group, he was in pain, on liquids, and getting weaker by the hour. It was not the best time to think about moving to Amsterdam to run the world's most recognised environmental organisation.

But it took a threat from his 16-year-old daughter to persuade him to go for the job. "She said, 'Dad, I won't talk to you ever again if you do not consider it.' Ten days later, still on liquids, I relented," says Naidoo. "Yes, the head of Greenpeace needed a kick from his daughter. She is my fiercest critic."