Eco- Youth Award

th e Eco-Youth Award

MATTHEW FURLONGER: WARRIOR YOUTH

Matthew Furlonger is a believer in the best of humanity and at just 30 years old he has already lived a colourful life. He has come face-to-face with some of life’s atrocities but has also borne witness to many of its incredible beauties, always bringing him to the same conclusion: Life is a gift and infinitely worth investing in. His iron-clad belief in humanity, faith in a better future and dedication to live a contributory life is now stronger than ever. To this end, he and his partner, Jessica Sjouerman (27), recently founded Warrior Youth, a youth empowerment organisation championing active citizenship and igniting the Modern Day Warrior within. They’ve since invited the public to Kick The Plastic Habit and ditch their plastic packaging at stores, planted hundreds of fruit trees in schools across the Cape Flats, engaged in various beach cleanups and launched their SpekBOOM initiative making it as easy as possible for people to take part in the Trillion Tree campaign and UN’s Decade on Restoration. They are both currently developing a resiliency program for struggling teens and young adults and plan to launch it soon.

SIYA NTSUMPA: GIVING THEM WINGS FOUNDATION

Siya Ntsumpa founded the Giving Them Wings Foundation in 2014 with the vision of making an impact on the environment in disadvantaged communities. He identified that the way to achieve this was to develop sustainable living projects and environmental education programs for learners. Siya Ntsumpa Today the foundation has adopted over 11 schools in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality where Siya mentors and coaches learners on recycling and food gardening on a daily basis. The program has transformed schools into award winning environmental institutions and, award winning, young environmentalists have emerged. The project aims to educate and change behaviours of ordinary people especially in townships.

SAKHE SILWANA: SILWANA INDUSTRIES

Sakhe is described as a young female powerhouse. After matriculating she opted to study for her degree Law. While working on her legal career, she runs successful businesses and projects that she describes as her purpose as they involve impacting and serving the community. Sakhe aims to challenge the present perceptions about the environment and business opportunities. She has brought this to life by leaving her mark on renowned organizations such as Young African Leaders Initiatives, Miss Earth South Africa and PetCo. As the brains behind some successful environmental initiatives and projects Sakhes business acumen and strategic mindset have displayed her as an earth warrior and a torch bearer for young future leaders on a local and global scale. As part of these projects, Sakhe has planted over 50 trees and 10 food gardens. Sakhe also runs a successful waste management company in Johannesburg which recycles waste material and creates business and employment opportunities.