Author: Puluko Graham Nkiwane

✅ Support Received & Results Achieved

SayPro ClimateGuard has received internal institutional backing from SayPro through strategic alignment, operational resources, and human capital support. Key SayPro departments—including Research, Operations, Finance, Technology, and Marketing—have committed to supporting the project’s pilot phase.

So far, the project has:

• Engaged over 150 youth in climate awareness workshops and eco-activism dialogues in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
• Launched a community cleanup and tree planting initiative in collaboration with local schools and ward councillors.
• Developed an environmental education toolkit, currently being piloted in 3 schools.
• Formed partnerships with 2 local environmental NGOs and a solar tech startup to support training and demonstrations.
• Created digital content reaching 5,000+ users across SayPro’s platforms, amplifying climate awareness.

These early results demonstrate the project’s momentum and potential for scale with further support.

The solution proposed by SayPro ClimateGuard: Youth Action for a Sustainable Future is to empower youth to lead community-driven climate action by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and platforms needed to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.

🌿 Key Solutions Include:

• Capacity Building & Education: Train youth and communities on climate science, environmental sustainability, and adaptation strategies through workshops, eco-schools programmes, and public campaigns.
• Youth-Led Innovation: Support green entrepreneurship, climate-tech solutions, and community-based projects that reduce carbon emissions and enhance ecosystem resilience.
• Community Engagement: Promote grassroots awareness and participation in sustainable practices such as renewable energy use, waste reduction, and urban greening.
• Policy Advocacy: Engage youth in influencing environmental policies by organizing dialogues and submitting evidence-based recommendations to local government.
• Ethical Climate Justice: Ensure that climate action is inclusive, just, and considers the needs of vulnerable groups, especially women, girls, and people with disabilities.

In short, the project offers a youth-powered, community-centered approach to tackling climate change and building a sustainable, equitable future.

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Many communities, especially in vulnerable and underserved areas of Southern Africa, face increasing threats from climate change—including extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, and poor access to sustainable energy. Despite being the most affected, young people often lack the resources, platforms, and support to participate meaningfully in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

There is also a significant gap in environmental education, community awareness, and local innovation to tackle climate-related challenges. In addition, ethical climate justice and inclusive approaches that center youth, women, and marginalized groups are often overlooked in national and local strategies.

This project aims to empower youth to become climate leaders, create localized solutions, and strengthen community resilience while promoting sustainability, justice, and intergenerational responsibility.

SayPro ClimateGuard: Youth Action for a Sustainable Future is a youth-led initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience across vulnerable communities in Southern Africa. The project empowers young people to lead climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts through renewable energy education, eco-innovation, and public awareness. It focuses on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and advocating for climate justice and intergenerational equity. Key activities include community workshops, school-based eco-programmes, green entrepreneurship support, and local policy engagement. By integrating research, technology, and youth leadership, SayPro ClimateGuard envisions a low-carbon, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.

Project Summary:
SayPro ClimateGuard is a youth-led climate action initiative by the South African Youth Project (SayPro), designed to address the urgent need for environmental sustainability and climate resilience across communities in Southern Africa. The project will empower young people to lead the charge in climate change mitigation and adaptation through education, innovation, community action, and policy advocacy.

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🔍 Project Objectives:

1. Promote Climate Change Mitigation:
   Implement grassroots interventions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable energy adoption, reforestation, and sustainable waste management.
2. Strengthen Climate Adaptation Strategies:
   Enhance the capacity of local communities—especially youth and marginalized groups—to respond to climate risks such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves by strengthening ecosystem resilience and adaptive infrastructures.
3. Advance Environmental Literacy:
   Conduct educational campaigns and training workshops that raise public awareness of climate change, sustainability, and climate justice, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
4. Encourage Youth Innovation and Green Entrepreneurship:
   Support climate-tech startups, eco-innovation labs, and youth-driven green enterprises focused on circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and energy efficiency.
5. Promote Ethical Climate Action:
   Uphold the values of equity, sustainability, solidarity, and intergenerational justice by integrating climate justice principles in all project activities.

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📍 Target Areas:

The project will be implemented in urban, peri-urban, and rural communities across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal, with a focus on high-risk, underserved, and climate-vulnerable zones.

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👥 Target Beneficiaries:

• Youth (aged 15–35), especially from marginalized and underserved communities
• Women and girls affected by environmental injustices
• Local community leaders, schools, and grassroots organizations
• Public institutions and decision-makers through advocacy and research

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🛠️ Key Activities:

• Community Climate Workshops: Training youth and local leaders in climate mitigation, sustainable living, and environmental monitoring.
• Renewable Energy Demos: Solar tech awareness, clean energy pilots, and climate innovation showcases.
• Eco-Schools Campaigns: Curriculum-integrated school programmes promoting eco-consciousness among learners.
• Green Jobs Incubator: Support for youth-led green startups and entrepreneurship bootcamps.
• Policy Dialogue Forums: Engage with government, civil society, and youth groups on climate justice and policy transformation.
• Data-Driven Impact Monitoring: Research and reporting on environmental challenges and solutions.

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📈 Expected Outcomes:

• Increased youth capacity in climate science and sustainable development.
• Measurable reduction in community carbon footprints.
• Enhanced awareness and behavioral change in 1,000+ community members.
• New partnerships formed between youth groups, local authorities, and climate agencies.
• Policy recommendations generated and submitted to local government bodies.

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⏳ Project Duration:

12 months (with potential for scaling and long-term institutional integration)

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💰 Funding Requirements:

The project seeks funding and in-kind support for:

• Climate education materials and facilitators
• Tech tools and equipment for renewable energy demos
• Stipends for youth researchers and coordinators
• Green innovation seed grants
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting tools
• Communications and media campaigns

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📌 Conclusion:

SayPro ClimateGuard is more than a project—it’s a youth-driven movement for environmental justice, community resilience, and a sustainable African future. By investing in the power of young people, we’re not just responding to the climate crisis—we’re transforming it into an opportunity for innovation, inclusion, and impact.

1. SayPro Human Capital Officer – Sinentlantal Mabusela

Sinentlantal ensures the recruitment, development, and wellbeing of youth volunteers and staff involved in the project. She leads capacity-building initiatives, supports youth leadership growth, and promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities within the project team.

2. SayPro Chief Operations Officer – Clifford Legodi

Clifford oversees the day-to-day implementation of project activities, ensuring that all logistics, timelines, and resources are efficiently managed. He ensures synergy across departments and keeps the operational wheels of the project turning smoothly.

3. SayPro Chief Technology Officer – Moses Mnisi

Moses leads the integration of climate-smart technology and digital tools into the project. This includes developing eco-innovation platforms, data tracking systems, and digital learning content to enhance sustainability efforts and amplify youth-driven climate tech.

4. SayPro Chief Research Officer – Patricia Tsebe

Patricia drives evidence-based project design and monitoring through in-depth research on climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, and youth-led environmental impact. She ensures that the project is backed by credible data and global best practices.

5. SayPro Chief Learning, Monitoring Officer – Tsakani Rikhotso

Tsakani is responsible for monitoring and evaluating project outcomes, gathering feedback, and turning insights into improved strategies. She ensures continuous learning, documents success stories, and tracks both qualitative and quantitative impact.

6. SayPro Chief Finance Officer – Keamogetswe Toka

Keamogetswe manages project budgeting, financial reporting, and accountability processes. She ensures that resources are used transparently and effectively to support youth-led environmental actions and long-term project sustainability.

7. SayPro Chief Legal Officer – Neftaly Malatjie

Neftaly ensures the project complies with environmental laws, data protection, and youth safety regulations. He oversees all legal agreements, community MOUs, and ensures ethical climate justice standards are upheld throughout project implementation.

8. SayPro Chief Strategic Partnership Officer – Nancy Mdaka

Nancy cultivates partnerships with government agencies, environmental NGOs, schools, funders, and global climate networks. She ensures strategic alliances are aligned with the project’s goals and that youth voices are amplified in national and international forums.

9. SayPro Chief Development Officer – Regaugetswe Netshiozwe

Regaugetswe leads the resource mobilization efforts by identifying funding opportunities, proposal development, and donor engagement. She ensures that the project has sustainable financial support and access to grants for long-term impact.

10. SayPro Chief Marketing Officer – Puluko Nkiwane

Puluko drives all branding, advocacy, and communication efforts. He ensures the visibility of youth climate actions through powerful storytelling, social media campaigns, and multi-channel marketing to inspire broader community involvement and policy attention.

11. SayPro Chancellor Officer – Jeffery Montapina

Jeffery provides overall strategic direction, governance, and leadership oversight. He ensures the project reflects SayPro’s mission and values, mentors youth leaders, and advocates for national policy changes that prioritize youth-led climate action.

 

Neftaly Malatjie, born in 1991 in the rural community of Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, South Africa, is a dedicated social entrepreneur with a deep commitment to youth development and community empowerment. His journey into social development began at the age of 11 when he worked with AKANI, a childcare and support group for children.

In 2005, at just 14 years old, Neftaly founded Diepsloot Youth Projects (DYP) in the impoverished area of Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg. Utilizing his savings from part-time jobs, he aimed to address the challenges faced by local youth. DYP focuses on income-generating programs that enable young people to engage in business opportunities, providing training in entrepreneurship, business skills, computer literacy, and life skills. The organization has positively impacted over 3,000 young individuals, helping many secure employment or start their own businesses.

Neftaly’s dedication and innovative approach to social entrepreneurship have earned him recognition, including being named a finalist for the Anzisha Prize in 2013.  In the same year, he received a R200,000 award from the Rand Water Foundation to support his initiatives.

Building on his passion for creating solutions, Neftaly founded SayPro  in 2011. SayPro is a corporate business offering a range of solutions for corporate businesses, government departments, non-profit organizations, individuals, and communities. Under his leadership, SayPro has grown to serve over 100,000 people daily, providing services such as digital marketing, job placement, and skills development.

Neftaly’s work exemplifies the impact of social entrepreneurship in addressing community challenges and empowering youth. His initiatives continue to inspire and create opportunities for many in South Africa and beyond

For a more personal insight into Neftaly’s journey and vision, you can watch his 2013 Anzisha Prize finalist interview:

To:The CEO of SayPro, Mr. Neftaly Malatjie, The Chairperson Chief Operation Officer of SayPro, Mr. Legodi, All Royal Committee Members

Kgotso a ebe le lena,

I am writing to formally request the removal of the following individuals from the MICTSETA system, as they have both resigned from SayPro:

Livhuwani Mawelewele
Livhuwani has submitted a resignation email stating her decision to step down from her position as Marketing Specialist at SayPro, effective immediately. Please find her resignation email below:

Dear Mr. Nkiwane,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally resign from my position as Marketing Specialist at SayPro, effective immediately. I have concluded that it is in the best interest of my personal circumstances. I sincerely appreciate the opportunities and experiences I have gained during my time with SayPro. It has been a pleasure working with you and the team.

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,
Livhuwani Mawelewele
livhumawelewele138@gmail.com

Tumelo Mogorosi
Tumelo Mogorosi has also resigned from their internship position at SayPro, with an effective resignation date of March 18, 2025. Please find their resignation email below:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally resign from my internship position at SayPro effective 18 March 2025. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an intern at your organization, and I am grateful for the valuable experiences and skills I have gained during my tenure.

I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the guidance and support provided by you and the entire team. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I acquired will greatly benefit me in my future career endeavors.

Thank you for your understanding, and I wish you and the entire team continued success in the future.

Sincerely,
Tumelo Mogorosi

Given that both individuals have formally resigned, I kindly request that their details be removed from the MICTSETA system at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

My message shall end here.

Puluko Nkiwane| Chief Marketing Royalty | SayPro