Green Youth Indaba celebrates a decade of empowering change-makers for a just and sustainable future
As South Africa commemorates Youth Month 2025, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) proudly marked a decade of collaboration with the Green Youth Indaba. The milestone was celebrated at the annual Green Youth Career Expo, which drew large numbers to the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Westville Campus on 17 June 2025.
Visionary young leaders, policy architects, grassroots changemakers and private sector partners convened at this year's summit, which was held under the theme "Skills for a Changing World – Embracing Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation."
The expo was followed by high-level engagements at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 19 June 2025, at which Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, the DSTI's Deputy Director-General: Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships, spoke of "an enduring partnership aimed at empowering young leaders across Africa to thrive in the green economy."
Muofhe spoke of the DSTI's commitment to green innovation and entrepreneurship, referring to the Circular Economy Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy and the Circular Economy Demonstration Fund as pivotal tools for youth-driven innovation.
"We are intentionally positioning the youth at the forefront of the circular economy. From smart retail concepts to sustainable construction using recycled materials, innovation is not just a concept – it is already transforming communities," he said.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, echoed Muofhe's sentiments, highlighting the importance of hosting the gathering during Youth Month.
"This indaba is more than an event; it is a platform for transformation – for placing young people at the heart of South Africa's green economy," Minister Nkabane stated.
She outlined government-led initiatives designed to bridge skills gaps and accelerate youth participation in the green transition, including the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk, green hydrogen value chain training programmes, and skills development zones aligned with national decarbonisation goals.
"The green economy is not just about emissions; it is about inclusion, dignity and creating meaningful opportunities for millions of young people ready to rise," she said.
Nkabane further reaffirmed government commitment to an approach that saw young people not merely as beneficiaries of green policy, but as co-creators of the just energy transition.
"This is a generational undertaking. You are not passengers in this transition – you are pilots," said the Minister.
The indaba also showcased inspiring examples of homegrown innovations, including Electri-Coal Technologies, an innovative renewable energy and smart utilities enterprise.
This youth-led green technology startup has grown significantly since its early days. With the support of the DSTI and its entity the Technology Innovation Agency, Mr Mfanelo Ndlela, founder of the start-up, said that his entrepreneurial journey had taken him beyond the borders of South Africa.
"Today, we stand with international memoranda of understanding, commercial agreements and patented technologies," he said.
Ndlela's Smart Water Management System, now integrated with utilities like Umgeni Water, monitors water quality and flow in real time to ensure that national potable standards are met. The system is a testament to how youth innovators are addressing pressing climate and infrastructure challenges.
Among other things, the 10th Green Youth Indaba programme featured entrepreneur empowerment hubs, designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship and networks needed to turn green ideas into scalable, sustainable enterprises.
The 10 year celebration also served as a powerful call to action, solidarity and the co-creation of a sustainable, inclusive and economically vibrant South Africa led by those who will inherit the planet.
Issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
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