BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Young people in Eswatini are taking a leading role in environmental protection and green enterprise, aligning their efforts with the global transition to a green economy.
During an interview on Eswatini TV’s Kusile Breakfast Show on August 20, 2025, Eswatini Environmental Authority Information Officer Zandisile Howe said the authority is engaging schools and communities to educate young people on pollution control, waste management, and sustainable consumption.
“We are empowering youth and women with technical training,” Howe said. “Our ozone unit trains young women in refrigeration and ozone management so harmful gases are not released into the atmosphere. These are employable skills that also protect the environment.”
Howe noted that youth involvement is evident through projects supported by the Eswatini Environmental Fund. Students from the University of Eswatini’s Luyengo campus recently received funding for an enterprise that processes chicken feathers and other organic farm waste into organic fertilizer. The initiative supports climate action, life on land, and sustainable consumption under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During World Environment Day 2025 commemorations on June 4 and 5, youth from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions presented a statement calling for stronger climate action. The statement, delivered to government officials, UNDP representatives, and development partners, highlighted the importance of equipping young people with green skills.
Young people have also participated in clean up campaigns, such as the Msunduza exercise which cleared six tons of waste, and are using newly launched air quality monitoring tools to support their studies.
In addition, high school students led a plastics pollution debate, with conclusions presented to the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
“The world is transitioning to a green economy. Our young people must have the skills to adapt and lead this change,” Howe said. “They are proving through enterprise and activism that they are ready.”
(Courtesy Pic)
