Through the Temvelo Awards, awareness is created among people about the environmental impact of their daily lives and how their actions can either harm or heal the planet.
As a result, there is a value proposition emerging —businesses are born, jobs are created, and self-employment opportunities arise because people are learning to recycle, sell, and reuse.
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This was shared by Temvelo Project Manager Marilyn Sibiya during the inaugural Temvelo Environmental Symposium, Expo and Awards held in Mbombela, South Africa, on Thursday.
This marked the first-ever Temvelo Awards hosted in South Africa, following the programme’s successful launch in Eswatini. The initiative has since been embraced and endorsed by the Office of the Presidency in South Africa.
Sibiya noted that climate change has no borders, emphasising that the time for action is now.
The event, themed ‘Investing in a Greener, More Resilient and Inclusive Future,’ brought together industry role players for panel discussions on key topics such as:
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Innovations in infrastructure and water management for climate adaptation, and
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Unlocking capital for climate and pollution solutions.
Environmental champions were honoured across multiple categories, including media, smart agriculture, waste management, climate change, energy, forestry, biodiversity, water and sanitation, tourism, education, and conservation.
Winners received certificates, trophies, tablets, and cash prizes.
Sibiya described the awards as more than a recognition ceremony, rather, a powerful statement of hope and a beacon of inspiration towards tackling climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.
“These are immediate threats that demand bold and innovative action,” she said, adding that this vision is what fuels the existence of the Temvelo Awards.
She also urged the private sector to partner with Temvelo, clarifying that they are seeking partnership, not just sponsorship.
“Contributions and your corporate social initiatives (CSI) spend should speak to that. Going forward, we all need to be part of the awards, not only panellists, because it gives you an opportunity for introspection, to see if you are doing good, growing or not,” she said.
Sibiya compared the initiative to a toddler taking its first steps, saying it is still in its early stages but has great potential to grow through collaboration.
“In your capable hands, willing hearts and open minds, this initiative shall grow in leaps and bounds,” she added.
“And there’s a disclaimer, sponsorship does not guarantee a win. The judging is an independent process.”
Meanwhile, Barberton Mines representative Mogotsi Mokgwaja said the event stood as a testament to a collective commitment to addressing one of the most pressing global challenges, climate change.
“We are here not just as representatives of individual organisations, but as citizens and stakeholders united in a common cause,” Mokgwaja said.
“Our company recognises its pivotal role in the fight against climate change and is committed to leading by example.”
He acknowledged the mining industry’s controversial image regarding environmental impact but said Barberton Mines is working to change that narrative.
“We have invested in innovative technology to reduce our carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency.
We are also actively engaging in various initiatives designed to combat climate change,” he stated.
Other representatives from Vodacom, Sasol, Nedbank, Sanlam, and more delivered messages of support, underscoring the shared vision of building a greener, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Africa.
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