Buyiswa Twala
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
24
Project Name/Description:
Turning Township Waste Into Global Soil Solutions
In Alexandra, Johannesburg, where organic waste is everywhere, Buyiswa Twala sees something different: possibility. At 24, she’s the founder of Agrigreat Soiltech & Envirocare — a business that turns biowaste into organic compost and fertilisers, restoring soil health and improving crop yields. Her work bridges environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, and township innovation. Her journey began at 19, in a community garden project using waste materials to feed 200 families. From that, she developed her own nutrient-rich compost formula — and a bigger vision. Today, Agrigreat processes over 3 tonnes of waste per month and has earned Buyiswa major accolades: the Nedbank Green Superhero Award (2022), inclusion in Africa’s 100 Brightest Young Minds, and a Top 10 finish in the 2025 RestorLife Awards. With 10 acres of land now secured, she’s building a flagship waste conversion hub to scale the solution across 500 townships — and beyond. “This isn’t just about compost,” she says. “It’s about food justice, climate action, and dignity.”
