ESG & Sustainability News South Africa

Indaba to explore green opportunities for the youth

The annual Green Youth Indaba, hosted by the Energy and Water SETA, Fibre Processing & Manufacturing SETA and Tosaca Media Group, will take place on 30 September at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria.
Sanele Zulu, MD of Tosaca Media Group
Sanele Zulu, MD of Tosaca Media Group

This one-day indaba will examine the role of government, private sector, and young people in the development of the youth to increase economic growth through the green economy.

Accordingly, the event aims to promote localisation, youth employment and skills development in the green economy in alignment with Commitment 11 of the Green Accord.

"Our intention is to go beyond exploring opportunities for youth within the green economy; but to effectively exploring and unpacking our theme, while also presenting an opportunity for stakeholders from all spheres of industry to investigate partnerships, potential participation or mutually-beneficial support in the development of our youth and our environment. It is also an opportunity to explore ground-breaking green initiatives and concepts emerging across the country driven by young people," says Sanele Zulu, managing director of the Tosaca Media Group

Learn from experts

Following on the success of the inaugural 2014 indaba, attending stakeholders have pegged the 2015 indaba as an opportunity to learn from political heads and green experts, who will present progress of the green economy, government efforts, plans and job opportunities available for the youth.

Key pillars of discussion include:

Youth employment: Opportunities and challenges posed by a transition to green economy;
Climate change and the environment;
Youth agriculture and food security;
Waste management and recycling;
Skills development: Necessary aid and skills needed to tap into the green economy;
Water conservation and wetlands management;
Localisation: Opportunities and challenges posed by localisation; and
Youth careers and skills in water and energy.

Also forming part of this year's activities is the Green Innovators Pitch 2.0. In partnership with the Energy and Water SETA, IDC and SEDA who have invited budding and established 'eco-preneurs' to pitch their business ideas to potential investors and stand a chance of winning R25,000 cash in prize to boost their business.

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