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City of Joburg Green Jobs Youth Expo

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THE WHEN AND WHERE

EVENT DETAILS

DATE

23 February 2024

VENUE

Brixton Multipurpose Centre

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REGISTRATION OPENS

8:00AM

PROGRAMME STARTS

9:00AM

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION TO MAKE IMPACTFUL CHANGE

Welcome to the Green Jobs Youth Expo – a groundbreaking initiative hosted by the City of Johannesburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), Climate Change unit. As the nature of business evolves towards sustainability, this expo is your gateway to a future where green careers take center stage. Join us on February 23, 2024, as we illuminate the path to a greener, more sustainable Johannesburg.

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JOIN US AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

REGISTER NOW

Ready to shape your future in the green economy? Register now for the Green Jobs Youth Expo and be a part of the movement towards environmentally friendly careers. Don’t miss your chance to connect with industry leaders, explore green job opportunities, and contribute to building a sustainable city. Your journey begins with a simple click – register today!

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CALLING ALL BRIGHT MINDS!

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Embark on a transformative experience at the Green Jobs Youth Expo. Expect dynamic workshops, engaging discussions with industry professionals, and a showcase of environmentally focused job opportunities. Dive into the world of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and more. Discover how you can be part of #ZeroCarbon2050 and play a role in a sustainable future.

“The working youth is critical to our future. The economy depends on you. With your hard work and effors at improving your skills, you can make ours one of the most prosperous nations in the world.”

– Nelson Mandela

“The future of the green sector lies in the hands of its youth. Let’s nurture their passion, creativity, and sense of responsibility to build a world that thrives in harmony with nature.”

– Barack Obama

“Youth are the custodians of our planet’s future. Let’s empower them with the tools and opportunities to be environmental stewards and champions of change.”

– Wangari Maathai

BRINGING IDEAS TO LIFE

WHO WILL ATTEND

The Green Jobs Youth Expo is a gathering of approximately 400 school-goers, university students, and graduates passionate about a green career. Join fellow youth, City employees, administrators, councillors, and representatives from companies pioneering in green job opportunities. Be part of a diverse audience committed to shaping a sustainable future.

KEYNOTES, PRESENTATIONS AND MORE

THE PROGRAMME

SEE PROGRAMME

MAKING IT HAPPEN

OUR PARTNERS

Our journey towards a sustainable future is made possible by our esteemed partners. Collaborating with companies, educational institutions, and government entities, we are grateful for their support in making the Green Jobs Youth Expo a reality. Join us in acknowledging and appreciating our partners for their commitment to a greener tomorrow.

HOSTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

PARTNERS

GET IN TOUCH

CONTACT US

Have questions or eager to contribute to the Green Jobs Youth Expo? Reach out to us! Our dedicated team is here to assist you on this exciting journey towards a sustainable future. Whether you’re a potential participant, sponsor, or simply curious about how you can get involved, drop us a message. Your inquiries are the seeds for a greener tomorrow. Let’s connect and grow together!

23 February 2024
08:00am (registration opens)
09:00am (programme commences)
Venue: Brixton Multipurpose Centre

info@joburggreenjobsexpo.co.za

Virtuoso

 

Virtuoso is a registered non-profit organisation established in 2014 by youth, that offers services to unemployed youth aged 18 years to 35 years and women affected by oppression and Gender-based Violence since 2014. We also target youth and women with disabilities.

We are based in Newlands, Johannesburg and have satellite centres in Johannesburg, Krugersdorp and Dobsenville (Soweto) and Ekurhluleni, Alberton. Virtuoso also offers free skills training opportunities, entrepreneurship and enterprise development, career and personal development programmes including university and bursary applications and youth and women advisory services. Our biggest flagship programmes are the Hair & Beauty and Fashion Design & Textile Manufacturing which are targeted at unemployed and oppressed women. We give them skills training opportunities in various sectors and assist them in their entrepreneurial journeys to success in these industries.

Zainub Dockrat

 

Zainub Dockrat is a journalist and educator. She began her career as a producer and journalist at the SABC before transitioning into education, where she taught English in Asia and at Greenside High School. Most recently, she has taken on the role of Marketing and Training Coordinator at fraycollege. She cares deeply about social and environmental justice and is interested in how these struggles are linked.

Warwick Yardley

 

Brief description of activities

 

Following a visit to China & Thailand we saw the impact E-bikes and E-Cargo trikes had on the economy of these countries and decided to start producing these vehicles for the African market. We have been busy with this project for over ten years. We soon realized this could have an enormous impact on job creation in South Africa and designed our E-bikes and E-Cargo trikes to suite our conditions and applications. The applications include, waste picking, street cleaning, street vending, garden service, pet grooming, pool cleaning, canteens, spaza shops, grocery deliveries etc...

The powers that be overlook the mobility part of unemployment; how would one ever start to be self-sustainable without being mobile once this hurdle is overcome the rest kind of falls into place. We at Whoppa Cycles have realized this and have addressed this by creating a sustainable wealth creating machine to help the less fortunate and unemployed.

 

MOBILITY CREATES OPERTUNITIES TO GENERATE A SUSTAINABLE INCOME

 

These E-vehicles can be funded through willing Government, Corporates, with social development responsibilities, donations, roving advertising, and citizens wanting to clean up the streets and the environment. We are constantly working with youth employment organizations and looking for funding, donations, and grants to further our cause of creating an environment that is green, clean and creates much needed jobs so help us to help the less fortunate and unemployed.

Verson Abdool

 

Verson Is from our Repair program . He repairs household appliances , his business is twofold in that he buys broken appliance repairs it and sells these,  he further can repair bigger household appliance like fridges and microwaves and does house calls to repair those  .  He has 3 children and provides for his family through these business. He has been doing this for about 10 years now.

Siyabonga Ndlangamandla

 

Siyabonga Ndlangamandla, a dedicated urban farmer and founder of Makers Valley Farm, goes beyond cultivating crops; he nurtures a thriving community through sustainable agriculture. His venture, Farm Table, is about more than just farming—it's about empowering individuals and revitalizing communities. Makers Valley Farm provided the fertile ground for Farm Table's inception, driven by Siyabonga's commitment to sustainable practices and community development. His dream: to support local farmers and empower the Makers Valley community to cultivate their own sustenance. Farm Table embodies Siyabonga's unwavering vision for self-sufficiency and community resilience, amplifying sustainable farming while fostering broader engagement and empowerment. Through Farm Table, Siyabonga transforms farming into a catalyst for positive change, enriching lives and landscapes alike.

Dr. Radhika Mia

 

Dr. Radhika Mia, CEO and Founder of Social Impact Africa, envisions catalyzing a 'social entrepreneurs revolution' across Africa, supporting innovators from concept to market. Collaborating with Makers Valley Farm, Social Impact Africa introduced Farm Table in early 2024, aiming to transform local agriculture and empower urban township communities, especially women and youth. Beyond her leadership at Social Impact Africa, Radhika serves as a Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, exploring the nexus of social innovations and the Circular Economy in South Africa. She also educates through a course on Circular Design and Innovation for Business, demonstrating her commitment to driving positive change through higher education and practical application.

Sivuyile Foster

 

My passion for impact investment and empowering people is deeply rooted in my firsthand experiences of witnessing the harsh realities that many individuals face on a daily basis, coupled with their lack of means to alter their circumstances. Having come from a background in traditional finance and investments, I found myself yearning for more than just making decisions solely based on financial returns for listed companies. The disconnect between my work and the tangible, positive change I aspired to see in people's lives became increasingly apparent.

It was this realization that prompted me to pivot towards impact investment. By leveraging my background and expertise, I now have the opportunity to channel my skills towards creating meaningful change in the lives of those often marginalized or overlooked by society. This alignment between my professional abilities and my desire to contribute to social progress has brought a sense of fulfillment and purpose to my career that I had been searching for.

Simphiwe Zakwe

 

Simphiwe Zakwe is the visionary founder behind Sankofa Solutions, a dynamic organization committed to environmental sustainability and community engagement. With a deep passion for sustainable living and a determination to make a positive impact on the world, Simphiwe has been a driving force in creating innovative solutions for waste management and environmental education. Zakwe's journey began with a simple but profound belief: that communities, regardless of their economic circumstances, can actively participate in and benefit from sustainable practices. He founded Sankofa Solutions with the mission of empowering individuals, particularly in lower-income communities, to become environmental stewards.

Under his leadership, Sankofa Solutions has introduced pioneering waste management initiatives, including smart food waste composting systems and reward collection systems for recyclables. These innovations not only reduce environmental impact but also generate economic opportunities for communities. Simphiwe's commitment to education is also evident in his partnership with local schools and edtech companies. Through this collaboration, Sankofa Solutions introduces interactive learning tools, such as VR and AR, to immerse scholars in waste management scenarios and solutions.

The goal is to create a new generation of environmental leaders who can drive positive change in their communities. Simphiwe Zakwe's vision, dedication, and innovative spirit continue to inspire a sustainable mindset and promote eco-friendly practices. His leadership at Sankofa Solutions is a testament to the potential for transformative change in the field of waste management and environmentaleducation. Simphiwe Zakwe is not only making a difference; he is empowering others to do the same.

Ndia Magadagela

 

Ndia is the CEO and co-founder of Everlectric. Everlectric packages leading international electric vehicles, charging infrastructure & innovative finance solutions that remove the hurdles to adopting a cleaner & more efficient future. The services make fleet transition to electric vehicles as painless as possible. She holds a B.Comm (Hons) degree in Accounting Sciences and is a Qualified Chartered Accountant.

Ndia started her career at Deloitte after which she went into Development finance. She is an ex Senior Deal Maker at the Industrial Development Corporation where she spent 7 years and got experience in Due Diligence investigations and Transaction structuring in the Chemicals and Allied Industries, Heavy Manufacturing and Agro Processing units. She is an ex Principal in Mergers and Acquisitions at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings.

Currently, she is a Director in Blackslope Group which has a consulting arm called Blackslope Consulting and a Greener Mobility arm called Blackslope Mobility (trading as Everlectric where she is the CEO).

Ndia is a non-executive director on a number of Boards. She is a guest lecturer on Mergers and Acquisitions and a speaker. She enjoys reading, travelling and cooking.

Ennie Molelekeng Boholo

 

Is a single mother of three beautiful children . She came across TCB resell program and knew that this opportunity will change her life . She has been on the program for 4 years and in this time has opened two stores . she has provided employment to 3 staff members. She assists community in providing quality clothing at reasonable prices .

Dheshree Vather

 

I have been part of the organisation for 5 years, my background in Psychology assists me in understanding people. I am reponsbile for recruiting particpants on to the 2 year program and creat the space for holistic development so that unemployed South African can generate income into their lives through running sustainble buisness.

Tshwanelo Rakaibe

 

Tshwanelo Rakaibe is a Senior Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) where she leads the CSIR’s Just Energy Transition portfolio, leading a team of researchers whose work focusses on analysing the socio-economic impacts of the transition. Her experience includes various roles in Eskom, national government, an international development agency, and research. Tshwanelo holds an MSc in Energy studies from the University of Dundee in Scotland, BSc in Energy Studies as well as a BCom Honours in Economics (both from the university of Johannesburg) and a BCom Economics degree from the University of Pretoria.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

 

GUIDING RULES: 

    1. Eligibility: The competition is open to all youth residents of Johannesburg attending the Skills Summit on the 23rd February, 2024, including students, young professionals, and community members aged between 18 and 35 years old.
    2. Submission Guidelines: 
      1. Participants must submit their entries in the form of either a formal policy brief with reference to the City’s Climate Action Plan, or creative projects such as brief essays, artworks, videos or presentations, that highlight the challenges faced by youth in Johannesburg, including the emotional aspects. 
      2. Entries should include innovative and practical suggestions for building a climate-resilient, green future in Johannesburg, with a focus on narrowing the socio-economic divide.
      3. The competition will be officially launched on 23 February 2024 at the Joburg Green Jobs Expo.
    3. Theme and Focus: 
      1. The theme of the competition is "TOWARDS A YOUTH-LED, CLIMATE RESPONSIVE AND GREEN FUTURE" 
      2. Participants must address one of the two following aspects in their submissions:
        1. Devise eco-friendly strategies that align with the City's Climate Action Plan commitments to green initiatives, contributing to shaping robust environmental policies that pave the way for a thriving and eco-conscious young workforce.
        2. Ignite change through youth creativity, unleashing artistic and creativity imaginations, to visualise a sustainable urban future, whether through eco-themed artworks, environmental media, spoken word, or other creative projects that champion environmental consciousness.
    4. Originality and Creativity: 
      1. Entries must be original and creative, reflecting the unique perspectives and ideas of the participants. 
      2. Plagiarism or copying of existing work will result in disqualification.
    5. Format and Presentation: 
      1. Entries should be clear, concise, and well-presented, using appropriate formats depending on the chosen medium (e.g., written submissions, artworks, videos). 
      2. Submissions must include a title and a brief description explaining the concept and objectives of the project.
    6. Submission Deadline: 
  • The deadline for submitting entries is Friday, 23 March 2024 at 16h00.
    1. Late submissions will not be accepted.

 

  1. Judging Criteria:
    1. Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, originality, relevance to the theme, practicality of suggestions, and potential impact on building a climate-resilient, green future in Johannesburg.
    2. A panel of judges comprising experts in climate resilience, sustainability, and social equity will assess the submissions and select the winners.
  2. Prizes and Recognition: 
    1. The winner will be announced on public platforms on Friday, 26 April 2024
    2. Selected entries may be showcased on the City website, at environmental conferences and on partnering organizations' platforms to highlight the voices and ideas of youth in Johannesburg.
    3. Prizes:
      1. 1st and 2nd place high school learner prizes
      2. 1st and 2nd place university student prizes
  3. Consent and Permissions: 
    1. Participants must ensure that they have the necessary permissions and consent for any materials, images, or data used in their submissions. 
    2. The organizers reserve the right to use and display the submitted entries for promotional and educational purposes related to the competition and the Expo.

Code of Conduct: Participants are expected to adhere to ethical standards and respectful conduct throughout the competition, avoiding any form of discrimination, harassment, or offensive content.