Kopano Moraka, 25
Kopano Moraka is a dedicated young catalyst for change who strongly believes in her ability to make a positive impact within her community. She is acutely aware of the disparities brought about by climate change, particularly the exacerbation of the energy and water crisis.
Dominic Naidoo, 30
Driven by his deep-rooted commitment, Dominic spearheaded the development of the first-ever climate literacy course in KwaZulu-Natal. Initially piloted at the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre in Chatsworth, a center that holds special significance as it was funded by Mandela himself, these groundbreaking courses are now being offered to the youth of Durban.
Akhona Xotyeni, 26
Akhona Xotyeni is a young leader in the field of climate and water diplomacy, with an unwavering commitment to environmental and social justice.
Ayakha Melithafa, 20
Ayakha Melithafa is an inspiring advocate and mobilizer for climate justice. Her journey began at the age of 16 when her family was severely affected by a devastating drought, leading to the loss of their livelihood. This personal experience ignited Ayakha's determination to raise awareness about climate change and its disproportionate impact on low-income and marginalized communities.
Tyler Booth, 24
Tyler is a prominent youth climate policy-maker who has played a leading role in shaping climate action. She spearheaded and co-authored the Johannesburg Youth Climate Action Plan and successfully managed the South African Youth Climate Action Plan.
Zaki Mamdoo, 25
Zaki Mamdoo coordinates the Stop EACOP campaign, which is an intersectional environmental and social justice campaign against the development of the worlds largest heated crude oil pipeline.
Otsile Nkadimeng, 19
Otsile Nkadimeng is a high school student and the lead organizer of Fridays for Future South Africa. He is also the co-founder of the Sundial Movement, a Climate Network that connects high school students to take collective action on Climate Change.
Marshall Rinquest, 34
Marshall actively teaches environmental and humane education in six schools. Emphasizing experiential teaching, Marshall incorporates field trips and regular visits into the natural world to cultivate awareness and instill a sense of guardianship of the environment among the youth.
Nthabiseng Mabetlela, 23
Nthabiseng Mabetlela is a graduate Mathematical Sciences student at Wits University who has been actively involved in the climate activism space. She has represented organizations such as the African Climate Alliance, Youth@SAIIA Youth Policy Committee, and more recently beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship.
Makubutu Malakhiwe Manoto, 26
As a full-time farmer, Makubutu Malakhiwe Manoto is deeply committed to sustainable practices and plays an integral role in nurturing the agricultural sector. Her focus is on understanding how to educate communities about renewable energy and its potential to mitigate environmental challenges
Etienne Basson, 34
Etienne Basson serves as a fervent advocate for youth empowerment through education through two NGOs: Envirolove and Idas Valley Community Trails. These organizations specifically focus on empowering young individuals to tackle climate change projects in underprivileged communities within the Western Cape region.
Eon Hendrikse, 31
Eon Hendrikse serves as the CEO and Co-founder of Idas Valley Community Trails, an organization dedicated to providing the Idas Valley community and its surroundings with recreational, educational, and personal development opportunities.
Almaaz Mudaly, 16
Almaaz's impactful contributions began when she took on the role of High School Lead and co-author for the South African Youth Climate Action Plan at Saiia. Moreover, she initiated the establishment of a South African Youth Parliament on Climate Change, which effectively represented over 100 communities nationwide
Raeesah Noor-Mahomed, 21
Raeesah is a current third-year student at UCT and an intersectional activist, actively involved in raising awareness about the climate crisis.
Bhungane Mehlomakulu, 24
With a focus on upcycling garments and waste materials, Bhungane transforms them into unique and fashionable creations. His commitment to environmental consciousness and social empowerment position him as an influential force within the realm of sustainable fashion.
Gugu Nonjinge, 29
Gugu is an Advocacy Specialist at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation. Her invaluable work primarily revolves around illuminating the gendered aspects of climate change mitigation policies across the African continent.
Bulelani Ndzuzo, 28
Bulelani is a passionate advocate for addressing the issue of illegal dumping and promoting sustainability within townships. His impactful video titled "Scenes of Mbekweni" sheds light on the problem of illegal dumping, while also striving to inspire sustainable practices through proper recycling.
Sanelisiwe Mabaso, 25
As a qualified journalist, Sanelisiwe Mabaso has reported on societal issues, including sustainable development and climate change, with a special emphasis on South Africa.
Kholwani Simelane, 31
Kholwani is a determined and passionate social and environmental activist, dedicated to the cause of environmental protection and social justice. Through his involvement with various civil society organizations and activists, he has made significant contributions to empowering youth activists and promoting quality education in South Africa through his work with Equal Education.
Zahra Omar, 31
Zahra is an accomplished environmental justice lawyer working at the Centre for Environmental Rights, where she confronts some of South Africa's most significant polluters and their financial supporters in pursuit of environmental and climate justice. Her work revolves around challenging these entities to promote sustainability.
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