Green Youth Careers Expo encourages learners to pursue "green" careers

As South Africa marks Youth Month 2024, learners who attended the Green Youth Careers Expo in KwaZulu-Natal were challenged to be ambassadors for the green economy by championing programmes that promote environmental conservation and renewable energy.

The province has been battered by extreme weather events, the latest being the devastating tornado and flooding that ravaged Tongaat.

The government supports numerous programmes that focus on building sustainable environmental practices across various sectors.  Engaging young people on the importance of sustainability is being highlighted this month.

Mr Naphtaly Mokgotsane, Acting CEO of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MerSETA), addressed learners at the expo.  He emphasised the important role that green economy ambassadors play in driving the transition to a more green and sustainable future by balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

"To be ambassadors of the green economy means you have to actively promote and advocate for the principles, practices, and benefits of sustainability, environmental protection, and green innovation," he said.

The MerSETA covers various industry sub-sectors, including, automobile manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, tyre manufacturing, metal and engineering, components manufacturing and motor retail.

The expo, held on 11 June 2024 at the Heritage Centre in Durban, preceded the 9th annual Green Youth Indaba (GYI) 2024, which is taking place from 13 to 14 June 2024 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Hosted by the Department of Science and Innovation in partnership with Green Youth Network, the indaba is held under the theme "Nurturing entrepreneurship, cultivating skills and attracting global green economy investments for job creation".

Mr Mokgotsane lauded the GYI as an important milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future, saying that South Africa has also made great efforts to keep its environment clean, despite confronting numerous challenges.

These efforts include, among others, the National Waste Management Strategy spearheaded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, which aims to promote sustainable waste management practices that minimise the environmental impact of waste generation and disposal while maximising resource recovery and creating socio-economic opportunities.

Mr Mokgotsane said campaigns such as Clean-up and Recycle Week South Africa play a vital role in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, civic engagement and community pride.  

"By empowering individuals and communities to take ownership of their environment and work together to address litter and waste challenges, these initiatives contribute to building cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities across South Africa," he said.

He used the example of Japan, which has a strong culture of cleanliness and hygiene that is deeply ingrained from an early age through education, societal norms, and community practices.  For instance, cleanliness is emphasised in Japanese society and its education system through early childhood education in preschool programmes.

"These practices contribute to Japan's reputation as one of the cleanest countries in the world," he added.

In a panel discussion about exploring green career paths, Mr Sanele Vilakazi, Project Manager at uMngeni-uThukela Water encouraged learners to focus on excelling in maths, science and geography in order to study at higher learning institutions and become environmentalists and water engineers and specialists.

Mr Phathutshedzo Raphalalani, a Senior Manager for Pollution Control at eThekwini Municipality, emphasised the value of attending career expos, saying that, as he grew up in rural Venda, they opened his eyes to choosing suitable subjects in school, ultimately bringing him to where he is today.

He also pointed out the importance of having mentors to help shape one's career path.

"Set targeted and specific goals and look for bursary opportunities," said Raphalalani.

Alwande Mthembu, a grade 9 learner at Intakemazolo Combined School in Hammarsdale saw the expo as an opportunity to explore career paths that align with her interests in sustainability, conservation and environmental science.