Ntandoyenkosinabadala Makhoba
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
26
Project Name/Description:
Ntandoyenkosinabadala Makhoba remembers very clearly when she changed from a climate champion to a fervent warrior. “It was in 2022, and I was in Bangkok at the United Nations. I was part of a delegation from Africa, and we were telling them how climate change impacts our communities. When we challenged their narrative, we were told to “keep quiet”. The 26-year-old says the exchange lit a fire in her to make climate change and advocating for marginalised communities her focus. The sustainability advocate and climate educator now works diligently in helping communities take practical action in response to environmental challenges. She is the driving force behind You Plant, a grassroots initiative that teaches people how to grow food using everyday household waste and simple, reusable materials. Through workshops and community engagement, the initiative encourages sustainable living while also addressing food insecurity and climate awareness. Some of the issues she is trying to address include educating township dwellers about the hazards of waste landfills, expanding community food gardens and encouraging people to incorporate good produce into their meals. Through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to climate education, Ntandoyenkosinabadala represents a new generation of South Africans working to build a cleaner and greener South Africa.
