The Green Youth Network’s Indaba, in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation, hosted a two-day Green Innovators Roadshow at Taletso TVET College Mahikeng campus on the 20th and 21st of April, 2023. It aims to go above and beyond, exploring opportunities for youth within the green economy.
The Green Youth Network is a non-profit organisation responsible for advancing youth interest and sustainable skills development in the green economy. In addition, it provides comprehensive education on issues relating to environmental conservation in South Africa. The Green Youth Network is a national network of over 3 000 action-oriented youth in South Africa concerned about environmental issues and determined to make positive change.
This network works to develop strategies on, facilitate dialogue over, lobby, and increase capacity for the effective integration of youth in the national sustainability agenda. Engaging with stakeholders from government to industry aims to provide a holistic, balanced, and calibrated effort to inspire environmentally responsible young South Africans.
“The Green Youth Network travels to different universities and TVET colleges across the country, advancing and promoting youth interest towards the green economy, entrepreneurship/green entrepreneurship amongst university/TVET students. It also seeks to promote commitment to the youth accordingly. The youth is also inspired to consider Postgraduate Studies within the green economy, expose youth to scarce Green Skills and Careers, and offer bursary opportunities and study options within the green economy,” said Thato Motlhabani, Green Youth Network’s Stakeholder Relations Officer.
“Youth target set-asides need to be considered industries, particularly new industries where young people can be drawn in large numbers and should be progressively realised. For us, that is the Green Economy,” said Thato.
The roadshow aimed to inspire and foster young people's interest in the green economy, enabling them to generate employment. The Green Youth Indaba discussions began with Campus Dialogues in March and April, under which organisers and keynote speakers visited universities nationwide to inform students about climate change, green jobs, and unleashing their inner "ecopreneurs”.
The event dived deep into topics like innovation, challenges and opportunities, the green business guideline for SMMEs and start-ups, the critical steps of developing a business plan, and the introduction to new venture creation.
Upcoming and established ecopreneurs were invited to pitch and test their business and products to green mentors. The ecopreneurs in the North West province now have access to green financiers and professionals who will help them compete and develop their businesses in the green economy.
Intending to sensitise and empower young minds about the opportunities within the Green Economy and Sustainable Development, the Green Youth Indaba Provincial Roadshow travels across the four provinces, focusing on the 6 District Municipalities – (Rural and Township areas). This occurs in various municipalities to advance and promote youth interest in the green economy, specifically Enviropreneurship Green Entrepreneurship amongst youth.
