Zwivhuya Nicholus Mulaudzi
Nominee's Province:
Limpopo
Age:
29
Project Name/Description:
Founder: Universal Greening Organisation (UGO)
Zwivhuya Mulaudzi started the Universal Greening Organisation (UGO) in 2015 to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. The project is accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Mulaudzi works as an environmental officer while studying for a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Management at UNISA. Based in Thohoyandou, UGO has grown into a national initiative with international partnerships. He says the organisation was formed after realising a disconnect between academic learning and practical experience. “We wanted to expose students to real-world environments and connect them with experts and employers,” he says. South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate and the lack of access to environmental knowledge were also key motivators. Over the past 10 years, UGO has focused on climate change, biodiversity, waste management, and protected areas. Programmes include the UGO Fellowship, the International Youth Collaboration and Capacity Building Programme, the UGO Million Trees Initiative, and the International Green Economy Conference. Looking ahead, Mulaudzi plans to expand UGO’s reach and continue building awareness around global issues like climate change, youth unemployment, and water crises.
