Vodacom South Africa has launched the Eco-Warriors Sustainability Competition, a dynamic new initiative that empowers learners in Grades 9 to 11 to become environmental changemakers through technology, innovation, and community action.
Targeting Vodacom-supported Schools of Excellence in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, the competition challenges young people to tackle real-world sustainability issues — and lead the solutions.
Empowering Youth Through Innovation
Learners will form teams to design projects aligned to four critical environmental themes:
- Waste management
- Energy conservation
- Water conservation
- Biodiversity protection
Projects may include recycling systems, solar technology solutions, water-saving innovation, or creative digital storytelling campaigns to drive community awareness.
“The solutions to our biggest challenges are already coming from young minds,” says Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director of External and Regulatory Affairs at Vodacom South Africa and Chairperson of the Vodacom Foundation. “Eco-Warriors is our investment in a generation of problem-solvers who think boldly, act locally, and innovate sustainably.”
Technology Meets Purpose
Learners will be supported with:
- Virtual workshops
- Mentorship sessions
- Educational toolkits
- Exposure on Vodacom digital platforms
Submissions will be judged on innovation, impact, creativity, feasibility, and presentation. The winning schools will receive funding to implement their projects, transforming ideas into long-term environmental action.
Aligned to Global Sustainability Goals
The initiative advances Vodacom’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, prioritising:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
It also builds on Vodacom’s broader environmental partnerships. These include:
- Circular Energy for electronic waste recycling
- WWF for digital-driven marine conservation
- Department of Basic Education e-learning platforms in underserved areas
Building the Next Generation of Eco-Leaders
“We believe in the power of partnerships to scale impact and support purpose-led interventions such as the Eco-Warriors campaign,” adds Netshitenzhe. “By investing in youth and innovation, we can build a more sustainable and resilient South Africa.”
The Eco-Warriors competition is more than a contest — it’s a catalyst for change, nurturing a generation that is environmentally conscious, technologically empowered, and future-focused.
