South Africa stands at a crucial juncture where the future of its economy, environment, and energy supply converges. As the nation grapples with power challenges, it is becoming increasingly evident that the youth hold the key to unlocking a sustainable and green future.
This is according to SolarTurtle CEO, Lungelwa Tyali, who believes that the youth are the true catalysts for a green economy and that their passion, innovation, and drive to create sustainable solutions will pave the way for a greener future.
“The youth of South Africa are an untapped resource brimming with creativity, passion, and a desire for change. Recognising their potential, it is imperative to empower them as active participants in shaping a green economy.
By investing in their education, providing training and mentorship, and fostering entrepreneurship, the country can create a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will drive sustainable development forward,” says Tyali.
She says at SolarTurtle they have not only created entrepreneurs but also equipped them with the necessary skills to succeed.
“For example, our solar backpacks have been designed with the needs and aspirations of today’s youth in mind. We understand the importance of sustainability and eco-consciousness to the younger generation, and that’s why our backpacks not only harness the power of the sun to charge devices on the go but also promote a sense of environmental responsibility,” says Tyali.
She adds that driving the transition to a green economy requires harnessing the creative minds of young people and for that to materialise the following must happen:
- Implement comprehensive environmental education programmes in schools and tertiary institutions to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable practices and the green economy.
- Establish incubators and accelerators specifically designed to support young entrepreneurs and innovators working on sustainable solutions. These platforms can provide mentoring, funding, access to networks, and resources needed to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
- Organise green challenges and competitions that encourage young people to come up with innovative solutions to environmental problems. These can range from design challenges for sustainable products to hackathons for developing green technologies.
- Facilitate collaboration and networking among young people interested in sustainability. Online platforms, workshops, conferences, and forums can bring together young minds from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and collectively address challenges related to the green economy.
- Establish youth advisory boards at local, regional, and national levels to involve young people in decision-making processes related to the transition to a green economy. This gives them a platform to voice their ideas, concerns, and recommendations, ensuring their perspectives are considered in policymaking and implementation efforts.
By implementing these steps, society can harness the creative minds of young people, enabling them to become drivers of change in the transition to a green economy.
“With the help of society, the South African youth is uniquely positioned to drive a transformative shift towards a sustainable future, actively leading the way in transitioning to a green economy and pioneering innovative power solutions,” concludes Tyali.
