The City of Johannesburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services department, in collaboration with Sustainable Energy Africa (UK PACT) and C40 Cities, held a Green Jobs Youth Expo at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre on Friday, 23 February 2024.
Hundreds of pupils from all over Joburg converged on the venue to gain insights on the city’s green initiatives and be inspired to pursue green career paths and entrepreneurship.
The expo sought to highlight the vast array of skills and professions vital in the green sector and empower young people to spearhead the City’s green revolution. With objectives ranging from introducing youths to career prospects in the green economy to fostering networking opportunities with industry leaders, the expo featured distinguished green industry leaders and speakers who demonstrated environmentally focused job opportunities and connected young individuals with sustainable career paths.
Under the theme “Unlocking youth energy in the city’s green initiatives”, the expo targets young people from diverse backgrounds, including high schools, and universities, as well as companies offering green job opportunities.
Topics covered include green careers in a landscape of possibilities, water for future, green transport, growing greener in rural areas, green business ideation workshop, green communication and building greener cities.
.
The City of Johannesburg has a council-approved Climate Action Plan and is mainstreaming it into all city processes, systems, and operations.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, said: “According to recent findings of the C40 Green Jobs Report, a study that was undertaken by our partner C40 Climate Leadership Group, there is approximately 400 000 job opportunities that can be realised in the City in the next decade through the implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan and leveraging the green economy.
“This report represents a collaborative effort between our city and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, a global network of cities committed to addressing climate change and creating sustainable urban environments. It is clear from this report that the green economy has the potential to be a major source of employment and economic development in our city,” said Cllr Gwamanda.
“From renewable energy production to waste management and eco-friendly construction, the green sector offers a diverse array of career paths for our residents and the youth. Whether you are a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to make a career transition, there's a place for you in the green economy. The power of innovation and technology will have a multiplier effect in achieving sustainability and creating a brighter, greener future for all Johannesburg residents,” concluded Cllr Gwamanda.
Lebo Molefe, the City’s Director of Climate Change and Air Quality, highlighted the significance of the expo in not only addressing youth unemployment but also in nurturing a skilled workforce capable of mitigating climate change and building a sustainable future.
“The Joburg Green Jobs Youth Expo provides a platform to showcase environmentally focused job opportunities and connect young individuals with sustainable career paths,” said Molefe.
“By investing in our youth and supporting the growth of green industries, we can create a brighter tomorrow for generation to come. Today we brought together almost 400 enthusiastic pupils, university students and graduates and highlighted the potential for job creation in sectors such as renewable energy, clean construction, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism.
“By highlighting green industries, the jobs expo aims to promote awareness and encourage youth participation in the transition to a green economy #ZeroCarbon2050,” concluded Molefe.
Green jobs are about more than creating an environmentally friendly Johannesburg, they are critical to achieving a more equitable future so that residents can reap the benefits of a greener, healthier and more habitable city.
Written by Dudu Lushaba
23/02/2024
To stay informed about developments in the City, connect with us on:
X: @CityofJoburgZA
Facebook: City of Joburg
Instagram: @CityofJoburg
TikTok: @CityofJoburg
LinkedIn: City of Johannesburg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kODMdnmGf3c
Joburg Pulse Radio: https://www.joburg.org.za/media_/Pages/Radio-pulse.aspx
