Starting from Monday the 10th of June – the green youth network together with it’s various partners went on a mission to celebrate youth month through a collaborative effort to empower the youth. This united effort impacted well over 1000 youth who participated within the various activities, truly shaping and inspiring a breed of future young, bright leaders and innovators.
Under the name ‘The Green Youth Indaba Week’ – CEO of the Green Youth Network Mr. Sanele Zulu shared that the purpose and objective of the GYI week is to empower and expose young people to opportunities that exist within the green economy. “We want to make sure that young people across the country are aware, educated, funded and inspired to participate in innovation and the green economy” Mr. Zulu shared.
One of the Sponsors for the GYI event Coca-Cola Beverages expressed that partnering with the green youth network was a necessity. Ntsako Baloyi, the Head of Sustainability at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa expressed that sustainability is at the heart of Coca-Cola’s operations, and coke wants to ensure that the environment is protected and sustained, therefore partnering with GYN was no brainer. “I believe that this will foster the mind-set of innovation, sustainability and inspire the youth to participate within this sector” Mr. Baloyi expressed.

The green youth indaba week kicked of with a full day beach clean up at Dakota Beach, Isiphingo. Over 300 participants came together to demonstrate commitment to environmental conservation and the power of collective action in fostering a cleaner and green environment. The subsequent days were filled with career expo’s, masterclasses, pitch trainings and a very special visit to the Dube Tradeport. Concluding the week was the indaba, which comprised of more than 30+ speakers, 50 exhibitors and a intensive programme around the topic of water conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, waste beneficiations, recycling, green mobility, climate change and environmental protection.
The indaba additionally featured a Young Researchers Pitch and Green Innovators Pitch segments, serving as a platform dedicated to fostering innovation and driving the green economy forward. With the theme: The Journey to a Greener Future, innovators, researchers and youth in the green economy pitched their ideas and business to a panel of expert judges. Winners were rewarded with money to boost their business and expert mentorship to propel them forward.

Mr. Zulu expressed his gratefulness to all the sponsors, the team and all the youth that participated in making the 9th Green Youth Indaba a stellar success. He concluded by saying that they are committed to cultivating innovators, providing industry access and investment opportunities for the youth as this will ensure a better sustainable future.
To get involved with the Green Youth Network & Indaba follow the link www.greenyouthindaba.co.za