WWF South Africa is hosting a “Believe in Better” youth campaign celebrating the environmental leaders of our future
South Africa (26 June 2024) — WWF South Africa’s new “Believe in Better” youth campaign aims to empower the next generation of environmental leaders. Passionate young people who envision a brighter future can change the future!
We meet four inspiring young leaders who are making waves in environmental activism. The WWF’s “Believe in Better” campaign highlights their efforts. Dean Carlisle, Esethu Cenga, Didi Mathibe, and Jade Bothma are the change-makers, big thinkers, future leaders, and action-takers. Each with a unique vision and relentless drive, they embody the spirit of hope and action that fuels WWF South Africa.
“Believing in the potential of our youth is not just an investment in their future, but in the future of our planet. Through this campaign, we aim to inspire and equip young South Africans to become champions for nature and sustainability.” – Dr Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa
Celebrating Youth Leaders
At the heart of the “Believe in Better” youth campaign are four remarkable young leaders whose stories exemplify the passion and potential of South Africa’s youth. Let’s meet them:
Change Maker: Dean Carlisle (Lessons In Conservation)
At just 21 years old, Dean Carlisle founded Lessons In Conservation, an organisation focused on educating schools in impoverished areas about our relationship with nature. Today, Dean and his amazing team have taught over 8,500 children across 110 schools in 11 African countries.
Big Thinker: Esethu Cenga (Rewoven Africa)
Esethu Cenga is the co-founder of Rewoven Africa, a startup focused on recycling textiles to reduce fashion waste. Esethu believes the key to the future lies in adopting sustainable practices that value people and the planet, not just chasing profits.
Future Leader: Didi Mathibe (WWF South Africa)
Didi Mathibe is tackling the plastic pollution crisis as a Circular Economy Analyst with WWF South Africa. Her job involves finding ways to keep materials like plastics out of nature by promoting circularity through more efficient design and use of materials, sustainable consumption, and waste reduction.
Action Taker: Jade Bothma (Oceano Reddents)
At just 15, Jade Bothma has already formed her own impact organisation, Oceano Reddents, a non-profit that turns plastic litter from the ocean into eco-bricks to build houses for homeless people. Raised in Cape Town with the ocean at her doorstep, Jade’s deep passion and love for the sea drive her ongoing fight for its protection, one piece of plastic at a time.
Nominate Your Future Leader
The organisation is inviting South Africans to raise awareness by sharing the stories of their young nature heroes on WWF South Africa’s social media channels. Find Instagram here and Facebook here.
Nominate a change maker like Dean Carlisle, a big thinker like Esethu Cenga, a future leader like Didi Mathibe, or an action taker like Jade Bothma by tagging a young South African you know who promotes a world where people and nature thrive.
You could WIN a R1,000 WWF voucher for yourself and R3,000 in cash for your nominee!
For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, visit WWF South Africa’s campaign page.
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