World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), and held annually since 1973, it has grown to be the largest global
platform for environmental outreach. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world. The Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia will host World Environment Day 2024 with a focus on land restoration, desertification
and drought resilience. Tshikovha Green and Climate Change Advocates Pty Ltd is hosting World
Environmental Day 2024 with Ehlanzeni District Municipality and Nkomazi Local Municipality respectively.
Tshikovha Times catches up with the Director of the company
Mr Moudy Mudzielwana, why Ehlanzeni District and Nkomazi? The idea started few years ago and when
we engaged officials of the district with an idea of partnership, they were warm to the idea and the rest is
history. With Nkomazi local Municipality it started when we hosted Graduates and Entreprenurs
development conference in 2018 and we have worked together since
But what is special about these municipalities: We have been doing environmental impact assessment for
mining, agriculture and fuel stations in the province and we have acknowledged unemployment rate and
the opportunities that the rural municipalities present for job creation on waste resources, agriculture,
forestry and tourism and we believe by collaborating with business and other stakeholders we are able to
highlight and unearth opportunities that exist within these areas.
What happens on these events? We collect resources that enables municipalities to provide service to
the people. We are supported by businesses, and I can mention PETCO, MMC, UNICA, Victus Bio Pty
Ltd, Redefine Brand, NRand Insurance, Singo Media, IUCMA, MTPA, Aquatan and many other
companies. We engage them to assist and each year our support grow. The officials of the District and all
local municipalities organize the events where we clean up illegal dumps, clean wetland, create education
and awareness, and we host a day event where we discuss the year world environmental day theme and
encourage people to take charge of their roles as citizens.
You employ a lot of graduates, who pays them? Laughs, we work with companies, government entities to
use skills funds, enterprise development funds, and other CSI programs to support Work Integrated
Learning and place graduates and most believe in our graduate’s development programmes, so we are
host of graduates from various institutions. We also help municipalities and other companies with
graduates to enhance capacity
You have the resources? Not all the time. We are still looking for businesses that can support us with
computers, PPE, Arc GIS systems and other resources to support more graduates. We do believe
opportunities are available, but we are not maximising support
You only support Environmental Graduates? No, we support graduates in various fields and recently we
need more graduates in Environmental Journalism, Communication, Project Management, Accounting
and financial management to assist some of the NPOs and cooperatives we support
You seem to be very fond of graduate’s development. Yes, I am. I am a graduate who has to do odd jobs
in the streets and bakery until I found relevant job. I know many are going through the painful phase yet
some of the opportunities are just around their areas, but they can’t realise.
You are an Environmentalist and Climate Change Activist? I am the type of Environmentalists who wishes
to work with companies and individuals who believes in sustainability. Whilst most of my businesses do
business for profit, it cannot be at the cost of environmental degradation. I emphasize on educating
communities to be active and work hard to prevent climate change impacts.
What can you say to encourage other businesses to do what you do? It does not have to be the same but
do something to connect someone with their dreams. Adapt to green technology. It is also about leaders
of various institution to use their platforms to encourage giving. We are all human before our careers so,
we need to have empathy
What do you say to businesses to support you? Let it be from the heart. If you have some money to
spend on people and environment and you do not have time, we have the time.
Where do they access you? Contact in 076 431 1016 and
moudy@climateadvocates.co.za/moudy.mudzielwana@graduatescademy.org.za
Can you be invited to speak at events? Where there is value, I can. I do not wish to speak for the sake of
speaking, we need to create value and ensure our people can follow through on issues the country is
facing.
Last message to graduates: Love what you do and learn until you become a Go to Expert in your industry
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