UPG Viewer

23 Years Old

South Africa

Female

Yes! That is really who you are!

I am Zamanyambose Mthethwa, a passionate and driven individual dedicated to making a positive impact in my community and beyond. I am currently completing my Honours degree in Political Science, which has deepened my understanding of global challenges and the importance of sustainable solutions. I believe sustainability is not just about protecting the environment but also about empowering communities to thrive socially, economically, and politically. My academic journey has inspired me to explore innovative approaches to addressing these issues, particularly through youth engagement and leadership. I see challenges as opportunities for growth and am committed to learning, collaborating, and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. I am excited about the opportunity to join the UPG Sustainability Leadership program and work with like-minded individuals to create meaningful change.

collaboration, communication skills, problem solver, adaptability, and action oriented

The strength that I chose is “collaboration.” And here is the story: Two years ago, I was part of a community project focused on addressing waste management issues in my neighborhood. Our community faced challenges with improper waste disposal, and many people lacked access to proper recycling options. Recognizing that a collaborative approach could lead to a sustainable solution, I worked with local schools, non-profit organizations, and local leaders to design and implement a recycling awareness campaign. Our goal was to educate community members about the importance of waste management while establishing simple and accessible recycling programs. I took the initiative to bring together representatives from different sectors—local government officials, school administrators, and community leaders—so that each group could contribute their expertise and resources toward the shared goal. Through constant communication, teamwork, and idea-sharing, we developed strategies such as creating educational programs for schools and setting up recycling collection points in key areas of the neighborhood. Each partner brought something valuable to the table: schools offered youth education opportunities, non-profits helped with outreach and access to local community members, and local leaders provided logistical support and funding for resources like recycling bins.

This process was not without challenges. There were disagreements about priorities and how resources should be allocated, but through open dialogue and mutual respect, we reached a consensus and kept focused on our shared vision. As a team, we were able to mobilize volunteers, design informational materials, and distribute recycling bins to make waste management easier and more accessible. The campaign was a success. We managed to engage the community in recycling and waste reduction efforts, leading to significant improvements in proper waste disposal in the area. Our collaborative work not only addressed environmental issues but also created a sense of shared purpose and pride within the community. This experience reinforced for me the transformative power of collaboration. By working with others toward a common goal, leveraging their strengths, and building trust, we were able to achieve positive and lasting change. I believe that collaboration is vital for any sustainability initiative, as collective action leads to innovative solutions and long-term success.

Yes, I volunteered with Ikamva Youth at their Chesterville Branch for one year, tutoring students in English and History. I helped students improve their understanding of key concepts, prepared them for exams, and assisted with assignments by organizing study sessions and creating lesson plans tailored to their needs.
From this experience, I learned the importance of patience, communication, and adaptability, as every learner had unique challenges. Active listening and building trust were essential in helping them overcome obstacles. This role strengthened my interpersonal and problem-solving skills while deepening my commitment to contributing to others’ growth and social impact.

Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project in my community, I would create a “Youth Environmental Awareness and Action Campaign” focused on educating young people about sustainability and encouraging them to take part in local environmental initiatives.

Why this project?
Many young people in my community are unaware of how their daily choices impact the environment. Raising awareness and fostering understanding of concepts such as waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation, and climate change can empower them to adopt sustainable habits. Additionally, by actively engaging the youth, this project can create a ripple effect, as these young people can share their knowledge with their families and peers, contributing to broader change.

What would the project include?
1. Workshops and Educational Sessions: I would organize interactive workshops in local schools to teach students about sustainability topics such as waste management, recycling, the effects of climate change, and how to conserve natural resources. These workshops would include practical demonstrations, storytelling, and group discussions to ensure that the information is accessible and relatable.

2. Community Clean-Up Initiatives: The project would involve organizing monthly clean-up drives in partnership with local schools and youth groups. This hands-on approach would allow participants to actively contribute to a cleaner community while learning about the importance of waste reduction and proper waste disposal.

3. Recycling Programs: I would collaborate with local recycling organizations and government bodies to set up accessible recycling bins in public spaces and schools. I would also host sessions on how to sort recyclable waste effectively to ensure the success of these recycling efforts.

4. Tree-Planting Campaigns: As part of the project, I would organize community-wide tree-planting events. Planting trees would serve as a direct action toward fighting climate change by reducing carbon emissions and promoting green spaces in urban areas.

5. Partnership Building: I would reach out to local organizations, non-profits, and government departments to build partnerships. Collaboration with these stakeholders would provide additional resources, technical expertise, and community engagement opportunities.

Why I believe I can lead this initiative
With strengths in **collaboration, problem-solving, and communicatio, I am

Here are some challenges that I expect to face in implementing the “Youth Environmental Awareness and Action Campaign” and how I plan to overcome them:

1. Lack of Awareness and Interest:
One of the primary challenges would be getting young people and community members interested and actively engaged in sustainability efforts. Many individuals may not prioritize environmental issues because they are unaware of how their daily habits impact the environment.

How I plan to overcome this:
I would use interactive and creative educational methods, such as workshops with visuals, storytelling, and group discussions, to make the information relatable and engaging. Additionally, hosting fun and hands-on activities, such as community clean-ups and tree-planting drives, will give participants practical experience and show them how they can make an immediate difference.

2. Limited Resources and Funding:
Running community campaigns often comes with the challenge of having limited financial and material resources to organize activities and outreach programs.

How I plan to overcome this:
I would seek partnerships with local organizations, non-profits, and government bodies to pool resources and funding. I would also apply for grants and conduct fundraising efforts through community events or crowdfunding platforms. This approach would ensure that the project has the financial and logistical support it needs.

3. Resistance to Change:
People can be resistant to adopting new habits or practices, especially when they require changes to daily routines, like waste management or recycling. This could lead to a lack of participation or support for the project.

How I plan to overcome this:
I would focus on creating educational campaigns that are not judgmental but empowering. By focusing on the positive impacts of small, achievable actions, I can show participants that change does not need to be overwhelming. In addition, showcasing real-life success stories and the direct benefits of their actions would help shift perspectives.

4. Coordination and Collaboration Challenges:
Bringing together schools, community groups, and organizations may lead to logistical challenges, such as scheduling conflicts or differing priorities among stakeholders.

How I plan to overcome this:
I would prioritize clear communication and build strong relationships with all stakeholders involved.

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