More than 100 passionate high school learners from across South Africa’s nine provinces gathered in Nelson Mandela Bay recently for the transformative Spark Change Eco Youth Summit 2025.
Hosted by Walmer-based organisation, Masifunde, in partnership with the TUI Care Foundation and the Department of Education, the summit brought together high school learners and 40 partner NGOs from across South Africa for three transformative days of learning, reflection and collaboration.
The summit serves as a platform for young environmental leaders to share their ideas, showcase their work and strengthen their capacity to drive sustainable change in their communities.
Climate change expert, Dr Gary Koekemoer, who opened the summit with a practical introduction to climate change, shared his insights.
“Climate change is the biggest challenge that we face as a society. At this summit, we focus on the simple things – recycling, food gardens and community projects. It’s inspiring and I’m honoured to be part of it.”
Also in attendance were representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the Eastern Cape Department of Education, underscoring the strong partnership with government, civil society and education, to equip young South Africans with the tools to lead environmental change.
Over the course of the summit, learners participated in expert-led workshops on climate science, sustainable living and community resilience.
Learners were especially excited to participate in an eco-excursion to SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds), where they explored the effects of climate change on the African penguin and joined a coastal clean-up to take practical environmental action.
Mark Williams, Principal of Uitenhage High School, reflected on the energy of the youth:
“This is more than just protecting our environment; this is about protecting our future. It’s exciting to see these youngsters fighting for it.”
Meanwhile, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Health, Thsonono Buyeye, added, “It’s good to see young people wanting to be part of the solution. It’s very encouraging to see.”
On Day 2, the eco-champions presented the results of their community-based environmental projects to one another, celebrating their achievements and sharing lessons learned from schools across the country.
Building on these insights, and inspired by what they learned in the expert sessions, learners collaborated in provincial groups to develop their collective Vision 2030, a blueprint outlining how each province can contribute to a greener, more resilient South Africa.
The summit culminated on Day 3 with learners presenting their Vision 2030 outcomes to school principals, representatives from the Department of Education and officials from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
The closing session ended on an inspiring note as participants joined together to make their 2030 Pledge:
“We pledge to protect our planet, lead by example, and take action – big or small – for a greener, brighter future together.”
Thoko Kosa, Deputy Director of Education for Sustainable Development Climate Education at the Department of Basic Education, commended the passion and commitment shown by the learners: “I listened to the pledges…I note the commitment and promise the full support of the department.”
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