Thabo Mbeki inspires as young innovators shine at National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards

The Wanderers Club hosted a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and the unstoppable spirit of South Africa’s youth on December 10.

The 10th Annual National Youth Entrepreneurs Awards, part of the Step Up 2 A Green Start programme, marked a decade of inspiring young minds to lead the charge in tackling climate change and shaping a more sustainable future.

Founded in 2014 by Primestars, Step Up 2 A Green Start has transformed classrooms into innovation hubs, empowering high school learners to think beyond the classroom and into the future of green entrepreneurship. Over the years, the programme has reached more than a million learners across South Africa, offering them the tools to innovate and turn their ideas into real-world solutions.

The awards ceremony, which recognised the top young entrepreneurs from across the country, was graced by an inspiring keynote address from former President Thabo Mbeki. Mbeki, a long-time advocate for youth empowerment, urged the young innovators to continue driving change.

Also read: Step Up 2 A Start Up celebrates a decade of empowering youth entrepreneurs

“The youth are the future, but they are also the present. Today’s ideas and actions will create a more sustainable tomorrow. Through initiatives like Step Up 2 A Green Start, we are seeing the leaders of tomorrow take action now to address climate change and unemployment,” Mbeki said, his words echoing through the room.

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Former President Thabo Mbeki, the keynote speaker at the Step-Up 2 a Green Start-Up, National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards.

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This year’s awards recognised 37 exceptional teams, each presenting innovative, sustainable solutions to their communities’ challenges.
The top three winners included:

1st place: The Green Entrepreneurs from Marobathota High School, Limpopo, created eco-friendly vendor stalls using recycled cardboard, offering a sustainable alternative for local markets.

2nd place: Eco-Umbrella from Thabane High School, Northern Cape, who developed a solar-powered umbrella to provide shelter and energy to their community.

3rd place: Eco Synthesis from Afrika Tikkun Uthando Centre, Gauteng, whose solar-powered recycling bins aim to tackle waste management issues in their local area.

Also read: City selects green economy innovations

Martin Sweet, the managing director of Primestars, praised the youth for their ingenuity and vision, highlighting the importance of nurturing the green economy.
“The green economy is not just a future opportunity; it’s here and now,” he said. “These young entrepreneurs are already creating sustainable solutions, and by 2030, we expect this sector to create 275 000 jobs. The youth we celebrate today are the ones who will make this happen.”

The awards celebrated the achievements and were a testament to the power of collaboration and investment in the next generation. Prizes, including bursaries, seed funding, and business mentorship, were awarded to the winners, ensuring they had the support to turn their innovative ideas into lasting change.

As the event concluded, the energy in the room was palpable. South Africa’s youth are proving that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the innovators and changemakers of today. With programmes like Step Up 2 A Green Start, the future is in capable hands – and it’s green.

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