REPORT 2016 - United Nations Public Administration...

2016

REPORT 2016www.greenyouthindaba.co.za

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Table of ContentsForeword

Green Youth Indaba Network Map

Event Statistics

Executive Summary

Green Youth Indaba Action Plan Phases

Green SMME Ecosystem Skills Workshop Programme

Green Youth Indaba 2016

Green Innovators Pitch Competition

Green Innovators Pitch 2015 Winner – Alumni

Green Youth Indaba 2016 in Pictures

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About Green Youth Indaba

A platform to address green economy challenges and opportunities for the youth

The objective of the Green Youth Indaba 2016 was to go beyond exploring opportunities for the youth within the green economy. This Indaba was to effectively explore and unpack necessary strategies that would create easy access to supporting and funding green innovations, as well as to explore the skills transfers needed to eradicate youth unemployment and poverty. This was aligned with the theme of the Indaba 2016: “Green Innovations and Sustainable Skills Development for Inclusive Growth.”

This yearly conference was expected to bring together over 600 exceptional young people who were especially selected by their high schools, universities, municipalities, and environmental organisations. The selection was based on the initiatives that these young people were doing to improve our environment. These youth and industry experts represented their provinces across South Africa; they came to discuss the most pressing environmental issues and the green opportunities for youth within government, private sector, and cities in South Africa.

Annually this high impact Indaba examines the role of government, private sector, and other environmental organizations in developing the skills of the youth so as to increase economic growth through the green economy. Stakeholders attending the annual Green Youth Indaba, whether from government; social organisations; private business, or representative agencies, often find opportunities to partner and participate in the development of our societies and support green initiatives and ideas. Invited political heads deliver keynote addresses; green experts in the industry present progress reports of the green economy, government efforts, as well as plans and opportunities available for youth in the green economy.

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Green Youth Indaba 2016 Report 3

In June 2016, Tosaca Media Group held its most ambitious event yet; the 3rd Annual Green Youth Indaba. Taking place in the City Of Tshwane, South Africa, the programme kick-started with the ‘Green Youth Indaba Campus Drives’ which saw a number of youths in universities and colleges engaging in discussions about their participation and roles in combating climate change, as well as pitching green ideas. This event represented a milestone in the Green Economy Sector because of the involvement of the youth and young entrepreneurs.

Considering the current climate of energy challenges that we are faced with in our country, refocusing on renewable energy sources is critical for long term sustainable supply of energy for economic growth and development. At the same time, it is important for us to protect the

environment and the ecosystem so as to ensure that future generations can build on the legacy that we leave; that they will still be able to enjoy the natural resources and environment. The Green Youth Indaba, in its third instalment, has once again proven that through natural resources such as; rain, sunlight, wind, and solar energy, the world can be a better place for everyone.

Initiatives like the Green Youth Indaba help to accelerate the government’s impetus in advocating the aspirations of the youth by enabling them to seize opportunities that will advance the livelihoods of young people, as well as fast-tracking entrepreneurship and economic development.

As the Green Youth Indaba Team, we feel that this initiative will go a

long way in deepening the implementation of Vision 2030 as enshrined in the National Development Plan. This is the government’s plan to achieve economic development by developing infrastructure, creating employment, improving education and training innovations, as well as accelerating integrated and inclusive economic development. Our primary objectives for the 2016 Green Youth Indaba included; building closer relationships within our green youth network, engaging with partners, sharing knowledge, and further developing a community of practice and learning within the sphere of youth ‘eco-preneurship.’ Our skills development programme focused on high school learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, university students, and young entrepreneurs.

FOREWORDGreen Youth Indaba co-founder - Sanele Zulu

These workshops connected specialists with youth owned Green SMME’s where they shared their knowledge, experiences, and expertise, as well as their many challenges.

These workshops also created opportunities for knowledge-sharing, networking, and skills transference. The workshops enabled the youth owned Green SMME’s to benefit from the green economy sector; the specialists, businesses, lecturers and mentors.

The summit was an opportunity not only to address the challenges affecting the young eco-preneurs in South Africa, but to publicize the extraordinary work that our young eco-preneurs are

doing to overcome these obstacles.

To this end, the Green Youth Indaba and Green Innovators Pitch generated media coverage in: SABC NEWS; Power FM; Jozi FM; Y-FM; SA FM; RADIO 2000; TUKS FM; and E-TV Sunrise, to name a few. The overall media coverage for the 3rd Annual Green Youth Indaba was valued at: R 1 018 720, 54.

The commitment and determination of our partners to help under-served young entrepreneurs was given a significant boost by The Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA), and the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA (FP&MSETA), as the headline sponsors. These

young entrepreneurs are now even more determined to turn their entrepreneurial aspirations and green ideas into reality, and to spread the awareness of green skills and opportunities to the youth of South Africa.

Many thanks go to our sponsors: The Innovation Hub, Transport Seta, Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, Rand Water, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, Department of Science and Technology, and the Water Research Commission.

Finally, I would like to say a very big ‘thank you’ to everyone who attended and contributed towards our wonderfully successful 3rd Annual Green Youth Indaba 2016.

Foreword continued....

Under the theme: “Green Innovations and Sustainable Skills Development for Inclusive Growth” the Indaba launched in-depth workshops:

The SMME Ecosystem Skills Workshop Programme Training Pre-pitch workshops

Speed MentoringBusiness Plan

Assist WorkshopStrategic

Planning Workshop


Green Youth Indaba Network MAPGreen Youth Indaba has established its presence and relationships with organizations and institutions that advocate green opportunities and the advancement of youth interests within the green economy.

Over the past few years, the Green Youth Indaba has grown its reference groups from inception, which only contained high school learners and smme’s withing the green economy, to introducing university partnerships with Green Campus Initiative and also involvement of young professionals. These groups are the key cornerstones of the Green Youth Indaba’s main focus.

The Green Youth Indaba provided me with an opportunity to see different career opportunities, provided knowledge of green careers, and it was there that I learnt about the SETA’S for the first time. Visit our school to present more about different careers. - Yolo Gwam, Midrand High School

The network of our partner organizations has presence and programmes in 7 provinces

Our Network also cuts across four pillars of youth:

Reference Groups:

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High School Learners

Grade 9-12

University /College Students

Youth Owned SMME’s

(Green Economy)Young

Professionals


EVENTS STATISTICS

771 people attended

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the 3rd Annual Green Youth Indaba from 7 Provinces

knowledge sharing sessions and campus activations were initiated in South African universities and colleges

impressions on twitter and facebook of Green Youth Indaba #GYI2016

pieces of media coverage with a value of R 1 018 720,54

Green Innovators Pitch Competition winners

10 new township high schools were represented by top performing science and maths students

57 new exhibitors

36 speakers – 12 new mentors – 10 trainers

organisations were represented

supported the cause


8 new official partners

3Over 28,000

Building possibilities for young environmental leaders

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The theme of the Green Youth Indaba reflected partnerships and discussions concerning:

• Youth employment: Opportunities and challenges posed by the transition to a green economy• Capacity building for a greener future• Youth agriculture and food security• Waste management and recycling• Skills development: Necessary aid and skills needed to tap into the green economy• Water conservation, wetlands management• Institutional framework for sustainable development• Sustainable opportunities in global markets• Energy efficiency and renewable energy• Innovation and technology sharing

On the 29 - 30 June 2016, Tosaca Media Group, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Affairs, FP&M SETA, The Innovation Hub, and EWSETA, hosted the 3rd Annual Green Youth Indaba. This was held at The Innovation Hub, Pretoria, under the theme: "Green Innovations and Sustainable Skills Development for Inclusive Growth.”

The Green Youth Indaba drew over

700 participants from the green economy and environmental sector - industry experts and practitioners from national, provincial, and local spheres of government, high school learners, university students, and young professionals, all from the different provinces.

The objective of this year's Green Youth Indaba was to go beyond exploring opportunities for youth

within the green economy; it was to effectively explore and unpack necessary strategies to enable easy access for supporting and funding green innovation and the skills transference needed to eradicate youth unemployment and poverty. This is aligned with our theme of the Indaba 2016: “Green Innovations and Sustainable Skills Development for Inclusive Growth.”

The Green Youth Indaba does not only educates young people about the do’s and don’ts on how to look after the environment, agriculture, solar power, and everything green, but also provides them with ample opportunities that they can attain within these fields. In the same

manner; the Indaba generates practical ideas that may decrease poverty and increase employment.

This spectacular event invited entrepreneurs and speakers from different provinces to motivate and instill a sense of independence, as

well as confidence, in the youth through a number of workshops that were held over the two days. The Indaba this year carried the slogan: “Advancing Youth Interest and Skills Development in The Green Economy”... that is exactly what it encompassed!

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The Green Youth Indaba Action Plan Phases

Green Youth Indaba Campus Drive 2016Our aim is to inform, inspire and empower students to make positive changes regarding environmental issues and seek business opportunities in the green economy.

The Green Youth Indaba Campus Drive is an awareness campaign of activation and dialogue hosted in different universities and TVET colleges around the country in partnership with the Green Campus Initiative leg of most universities. The key focus is to promote green skills, green economy, green careers, green jobs, greening campuses, green postgraduate degrees and Eco-preneurs/green businesses, and prevent climate change.

The idea behind the campus drive business workshops is to equip students who have ideas for businesses within the Green Economy with the tools and knowledge to take their ideas forward, and ideally further our economy, assist in job creation, and inspire others to do the same.

The Green Youth Indaba Campus Drive for 2016 was a huge success, and a large number of students from the universities visited the drive. The one thing that stood out for us was that students were speaking with one voice – about their desire to have more engagements and activities about the green economy so that they can play their part and be more involved in green campaigns. The students asked that we bring more

initiatives such as this one to their respected campuses.

04th May 2016 – (DUT) - Creating A Sustainable Green Legacy14th May 2016 – (UP) - Unleashing the Eco-preneur in you28th May 2016 - (WITS) – Green Business Works and Climate Change for the future04th June 2016 - (TUT) – Greening Our Campuses

Over 600 students in attendance at universities and colleges for the Green Youth Indaba Campus Drive

Pre-EventGreen Youth

Indaba Campus Drives

Day 1Green SMME EcosystemWorkshops

Day 2Official Green Youth IndabaConference

Green Youth Indaba

National Road Show

Green Youth Mentor

Ambassodor Programme


Maximising the impact of youth entrepreneurship training activities

Green SMME Ecosystem Skills Workshop Programme – DAY 1

On day one of the Indaba, Mr. Buyani Zwane, lecturer at GIBS, was one of the opening motivational speakers. He stated: “If you don’t like the future as is, create your own. That is what this Indaba entails; creating a chance for the self before someone else does it.” Mr. Zwane also mentioned that an organisation or small business doesn’t

execute unless the right people focus on the right detail at the right time and in the right place. He went on to make us realise that most of our young people are distracted and disengaged from important objectives. Why? Because they are:

Effective business mentoring: sharing skills, knowledge and attitude

Green SMME Board AdvisorySimple mechanisms to access external wisdom and focus learning for businesses and business owners. Presented by: VUKA BOARD and EWSETA.

Strategic Planning WorkshopLearn the techniques of developing a business model that is impactful. Presented by: WITS, GIBS, Regenesys Business School, and WHY GENERATION.

The Business of Recycling Workshop. Presented by: The National Recycling Forum

“Despite the diversity of our approaches, we share the same ultimate goal: To improve the skills and knowledge of our youth.” – Trainer

Based on participants feedback and shared highlights, the Green SMME Ecosystem Skills Workshop was for many a deeply personal and rewarding journey – often challenging participants to step out of their comfort zones whilst introducing them to new strategies, new skills, and new approaches to business.

• Over 220 Green Youth Small Businesses were trained• Over 100 Youth with Green Economy ideas and solutions attended the Green Innovators Pre-Pitch Training session

Green SMME Ecosystem Skills Workshops:

SME Toolkit WorkshopCreating an Effective Business Plan. Presented by: Business Partners

Pre-Pitch WorkshopLearning the techniques to prepare and present an idea. Presented by: SEDA, TIA, ACTIV8

Speed Mentorship WorkshopThe Essentials and Practice of Business Mentorship. Hosted by: The Hope Factory, ClimateInnovation Centre, Holistic Approach, GIBS, WITS, and Why Generation.

The Green Youth Indaba SMME Workshops were part of the resolutions and recommendations of the past Green Youth Indabas to provide training on small business related topics within the green economy.

The goal of the workshops is to provide hands-on training and actionable skills for small businesses through comprehensive skill-sets that include technical skills, soft skills, and small business professional development. These workshops are the first of their kind; they are green SMME initiatives to train, educate, and empower with practical ‘how-to’ solutions for the SMME's within the Green Economy.


Procrastinators; those with low focus and low energy, holding a 30% piece of the pie. Distracted; those who have high energy but no focus at all, holding the largest 40% piece of the pie.Disengaged; those who have high focus but low energy, holding a 20% piece of the pie. Purposeful; those with high energy and high focus are holding just a 10% piece of the pie.


Since 2014, the launch of the Green Youth Indaba has provided a significant platform for leaders in business, civil society, and the public sector, to discuss key challenges and approaches to supporting young entrepreneurship in the green economy, as well as green skills for youth in South Africa.

BREAK AWAY SESSIONGreen Career Development ZonesTraining workshop for high school learners on green careers and opportunities The Business of Ecological Infrastructure Making Business out of Ecological Infrastructure Future of Green Jobs for Graduates The importance of green skills, eco- friendly jobs, and participation opportunities for youth within the green economy Bulk Raw Water Infrastructure Structuring, Financing and Implementation

The main conference was opened in high spirits with government officials, CEO’s, youth and NGO representatives. They all shared the same message that was delivered by the keynote speaker, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pamela Tshwete: “The education and skilling of the youth in the Green Economy will play a major role in the success of our economic growth and development path. It is therefore of great importance that we intensify the efforts of capacitating our youth, who represent our future, to obtain the necessary skills in order to be meaningful players in the future of this industry and also present platforms where they can be innovative. Government will need to work together with business, labour and the broader civil society in order to achieve these targets.”

Mr. McLean Sibanda, CEO of The Innovation Hub, officially opened the Indaba and welcomed guests and delegates to the 3rd annual Green Youth Indaba. Mr. Abel

Mtshweni, representative of the City of Tshwane, then welcomed delegates and guests to the City of Tshwane as the Host City of the Green Youth Indaba 2016.

The CEO of the FP&M Seta was represented by Mr. William Ntsoane (FP&M SETA Executive Manager: Quality Assurance), who gave an overview of why it is important to continue supporting the youth who are engaged in the green economy; and that this should be done through skill development as well as the awareness of the critical skills scarcity in the FP&M SETA Sector. The CEO of EWSETA was represented by Ms. Candice Moodley (EWSETA); Nompumelelo Msezane from the TCTA; Mr. Thulani Tshefuta from the National Skills Authority – who also referred to the importance of supporting our youth who are seeking to protect the environment, and to tap into the opportunities in the Green Economy. Our Keynote Speaker was the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation; the Honourable Mme Pamela Tshwete.

Advancing youth interest in the Green Economy

Green Youth Indaba 2016 - Day 2

Celebrating the success of young, under-served green entrepreneurs whose businesses and ideas transform lives

Green Innovators Pitch Competition

Every year, as part of the Green Youth Indaba, young South African inventors, innovators, green entrepreneurs, green start-up companies, green small companies, universities, students, and science councils, are invited to showcase their Green Technology Businesses and green ideas. This takes place at the Green Innovators Pitch, at the Green Youth Indaba Conference which focuses on: “Green Innovations and Sustainable Skills Development for Inclusive Growth, also funding green start-ups.”

The main aim of the Pitch is to not only inspire South African youths in promoting entrepreneurship in green

business technology, but also to give them exposure and access to green funders, mentors, experts, and advisors, so as to help these young entrepreneurs boost their competitiveness and contribute significantly to the economic growth of South Africa.

In addition to networking with innovators and venture capital investors from across the country, participants pitch their new business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges and experts for a chance of winning up to R100, 000 in prizes or mentorships.

Lessons and experience learned from GYI 2016

It is not easy to articulate a clear business case in three minutes without practice. The problem is amplified for technological startups where the field is already at the leading edge of technical progress. GYI taught me that pitching begins off the stage as you interact with people. There is no one you should undermine, because the purpose of any business is to impact the ordinary man on the street whether he understands how the product works or not. The power of effectively communicating the value of the product or service is a pitch which can lead to a sale, funding, or the attraction of business partners. In our case, Boost Mechanics won first prize and received affirmation from the GYI community that there is value in our business case.Winning R25000 was a bonus that allowed Boost

Mechanics to refine our product and prepare for additional testing before commencing with the SABS certification process. The company is also excited about accessing free business consultation services and training from the SABS.

Why would you advise an innovative entrepreneur and young person to attend and pitch at the Green Youth Indaba 2017?

The first step of starting a business is the one of the biggest challenges that an entrepreneur will ever face. Pitching at the GYI is the best first step because you need to share your big dream in three minutes on a platform that has a panel of experts. There's no way you can loose; and it helps to start as soon as possible!


“We, as the EWSETA want to boost the spirit and belief of the young entrepreneurs that nothing is impossible in the world if you innovate and work hard to make your innovation work. We need energy and water solutions from the youth.” – Mr. Errol Gradwell – CEO, Energy and Water SETA

Green Innovators Pitch Awards

The Pitch was focused on the (6) Key pillars:Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Green Buildings, Waste Management & Recycling, Water Conservation, Sustainable Mobility.

1ST PRIZE – Ipeleng Mathebula - Boost Mechanics

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Fikile Magadlela – Iboni Bike ShareAt the GYI 2015, I was exposed to the country's political leaders, and I had the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs who are in the green economy. The exhibition stands offered a variety of products on display, and it was a great opportunity to develop relationships with other players in the green economy. The pitching competition also provided a platform to speak about our ideas.

Lessons from GYI 2015 were about the various opportunities in the green economy especially with the various SETA’s.

The one key piece of advice that I picked up from the pitching advice was; for our business to become a success

we needed to do further research around the world where it had been implemented. We have followed this advice.


I would advise them to attend and pitch because it is important to have your idea criticised and evaluated by experts as soon as possible, also the GYI will expose you to other enterprises that have tackled the same problem. Our company is a bicycle sharing start-up. We aim to create a technology platform that will enable bicycles to be shared by inner-city inhabitants of South Africa's major cities to meet their commuting needs.

From the Green Youth Indaba I have benefited from the platform given to present my initiative to various department principals, ministers, deputies, and DG's.The exposure trains and helps an entrepreneur to pitch to real investors. The Probono after-care business service offered to the winning entrepreneurs to refine their business model and to devise a programme of action, has taken our initiative to new heights.


I would definitely recommend this seminar for every single youth who is serious about innovation and about changing the current status quo.

2ND PRIZE – Qondile Sitshongaye - Techno Fuel Traders (Pty) Ltd

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As for the experience gained at GYI 2016, it is vast and practical for one to utilise in business. Business communication and business confidence are among the lessons that I learnt at the GYI event. These lessons can be testified to by the growth of my business, because it is just amazing.

Currently my company is in advanced talks with Khanyiso Solar Energy Solutions; we are planning to share the marketing responsibilities and strategies to capture the renewable energy market for the success of both businesses. This is a skill that was adopted from the experience of the Green Youth Indaba Networking.


GYI is a good platform for all aspiring business individuals; therefore I am not hesitant in advising young people to attend such a great platform of growth like the GYI.Kalahari Lapas is a construction company specializing in thatching construction and has recently introduced Solar Energy Solutions in its class of services, and has truly became a success.

3RD PRIZE - Mosa Maluleke - Kalahari Lapas (Pty) Ltd.

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Green Youth Indaba – Green Innovators Pitch Alumni

What is your favourite quote?"What you seek is seeking you."


3rd Annual Green Youth Indaba 2016 In Pictures

EVALUATION


The Green Youth Indaba Team conducted online surveys (pre and post-summit) to capture expectations; to ensure that feedback was incorporated into the conference agenda; and to measure the delegates’ overall experiences. The survey results – based on responses from across the network - will ensure that the Green Youth Indaba Team continues to improve and respond to the needs of its partners and delegates.

It will also help the team to measure and articulate the benefits derived from network and knowledge-sharing events so that it is better placed to deliver these benefits.

Results also suggested 3 key areas for improvement:

Diversity of speakers: Green Youth Indaba has received requests for more involvement of women, young people, and other stakeholders in the sector.

Time-Keeping: Delegates commented on the pace of the sessions, which were felt to be a little rushed at times. In addition, more time was needed to delve deeper into certain issues of interest.

More Conference Days:Most delegates felt that the two days were not enough to finish off the programmes and sessions, therefore they

requested that the Green Youth Indaba Team considers adding a day or two more to the conference.

“I learned about careers in the green environment and the importance of SETAS – I would like the SETA’S to come to my school because not many learners are exposed to the green environment, and many are not interested, so you can share more information with them. - Mable K. Mpofu - Kaalfontein High School

Without the lasting support of our sponsors and supporters, the Green Youth Indaba would not have been possible. Their support for our work; and their engagement with the Green Youth Champions brings real benefits to young people throughout our network who have an interest in the green economy.

Inclusion:

98% answered either ‘Very Good’ or ‘Good’

Acquiring new skills: 74% rated this as a ‘highly significant’ or ‘significant’ benefit

Knowledge exchange: 91% rated this as a ‘highly significant’ or ‘significant’ benefit

Learning specific interest/challenge: 87% rated this as a ‘highly significant’ or ‘significant’ benefit

Innovation 83% rated this as a ‘highly significant’ or ‘significant’ benefit

SOME HEADLINE RESULTS

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