Promoting Youth Participation and Sustainable Skills Development for a Just Transition was the focal point at this year’s annual Green Youth Indaba, held at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 29 to 30 June. The event brings together industry experts and youth, exposing them to career and entrepreneurial opportunities within the green economy.
The event was hosted by the Green Youth Network, which this year was attended by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy. In her keynote address, Creecy discussed the challenge of growing youth unemployment, reminding the audience of the Indaba’s goal. “I receive heart-wrenching emails and calls from your peers who tell me they have university qualifications or years of volunteering experience but cannot find meaningful employment. A gathering such as this is therefore crucial, and I want to congratulate those of you who have joined the Green Youth Indaba today,” said Creecy.
Representing TCTA was Nomvula Mhlambi, who took the podium to encourage the youth. Mhlambi introduced TCTA and its role in the water sector and gave an in-depth overview of Project Naledi, TCTA’s bursary and internship scheme. “Our programme is among the best, both for internships and bursaries, and I implore you to take advantage of this information and share it with your peers,” she urged.
The Green Youth Indaba collaborates with several entities. This year, besides TCTA, partners included the Innovation Hub, the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority, Eskom, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and others. The Indaba focuses on issues like water conservation, wetlands and waste management, and skills development required in the green economy.
The Green Youth Network (GYN), a Non-Profit Company, advances youth interest and sustainable skills development in the green economy, as well as promoting comprehensive education on environmental conservation issues in South Africa. “As GYN, we are grateful to all the organisations that continuously support our various activities, mainly aimed at empowering the youth. TCTA is one of our valuable partners, and we hope to continue collaborating with them as we share the same values when it comes to community upliftment,” said Sanele Zulu, the Chair of the Green Youth Network.
