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Local eco-champions join national movement to protect the planet and inspire climate action
Young environmental leaders from Broadway Legacy Foundation- an entity based in Sekhukhune’s Elias Motsoaledi Local Muncipality joined more than 100 learners and 40 community-based organisations from across South Africa at the SPARK CHANGE Eco Youth Summit 2025 in Nelson Mandela Bay — a three-day national gathering dedicated to empowering youth to take meaningful climate action.
Hosted by Masifunde learner development in partnership with the TUI Care Foundation and the Department of Education, the summit forms part of the Changemaker Network — a nationwide collaboration of schools and civil society organisations (CSOs) that equip young people with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable change in their communities.
Representing all nine provinces, learners trained as eco-champions showcased their environmental projects and shared how they are creating impact in their schools and neighbourhoods. Through expert-led workshops on climate science, sustainable living, and community resilience, they deepened their understanding of how local action connects to global environmental challenges.
Participants also visited SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) to learn about the effects of climate change on the African penguin and took part in a beach clean-up — putting environmental awareness into practice.
On Day 2, eco-champions presented their community-based projects to one another, reflecting on lessons learned from across the country. Working in provincial teams, they then developed a collective Vision 2030 — a roadmap for how each province can contribute to a greener, more resilient future.
The summit concluded on Day 3, when learners presented their Vision 2030 to representatives from the departments of education and local government along with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, before coming together to make a shared 2030 Pledge:
“We pledge to protect our planet, lead by example, and take action — big or small — for a greener, brighter future together.”
“partaking in the summit was a great experience for us and we have learnt a lot from it and the activities that were undertaken,” said Lesego Moranaga, a Grade 10 learner from Motjedi Secondary School.
Thoko Kosa, the Deputy Director of Education for Sustainable Development and Climate Education at the Department of Basic Education, praised the learners’ commitment to the programme.
“I listened to the pledges… I note the commitment and promise full support by the department.”
Dr Gary Koekemoer, climate change expert and summit speaker, said simple things were key in the fight against global warming.
“Climate change is the biggest challenge we face as a society. At this summit, we focus on the simple things — recycling, food gardens, and community projects. It’s inspiring, and I’m honoured to be part of it,” said Koekemoer.
