Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom | 20 October 2025
Johannesburg, South Africa – 20 October 2025:
In a defining move toward a sustainable future, Vodacom South Africa has unveiled the Eco-Warriors Sustainability Competition — a groundbreaking initiative designed to inspire and equip young South Africans to lead the charge in environmental innovation.
Targeting learners in Grades 9 to 11 from Vodacom-supported Schools of Excellence across five provinces — KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga — the Eco-Warriors Competition transcends the idea of a traditional school challenge. It is a nationwide call to action, empowering learners to design tech-enabled, community-driven solutions to some of South Africa’s most pressing environmental issues.
Nurturing a Generation of Green Innovators
“The solutions to our biggest challenges are already coming from young minds,” says Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director of External and Regulatory Affairs for 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. Through this programme, we aim to ignite lifelong purpose and community impact.”
At its core, the campaign reflects Vodacom’s enduring commitment to education, technology, and sustainability — three pillars that define the company’s purpose of empowering people while protecting the planet. The initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).
Turning Ideas into Action
Learners will form teams and compete under four central environmental themes:
- Waste management
- Energy conservation
- Water conservation
- Biodiversity protection
Projects may include anything from recycling campaigns and renewable energy innovations to digital storytelling initiatives that raise environmental awareness. Vodacom will support participants through virtual workshops, interactive toolkits, and mentorship sessions, ensuring each team receives the guidance needed to turn their vision into impact.
Submissions will be judged based on innovation, creativity, technological integration, feasibility, and community impact. The winning teams will be announced at a special awards ceremony, where top schools will receive funding to implement their projects and feature exposure on Vodacom’s digital platforms.
Partnerships Driving Purpose
The Eco-Warriors initiative builds on Vodacom’s expanding portfolio of purpose-led environmental partnerships. Working closely with the Department of Basic Education, Vodacom continues to enhance digital learning through its e-school platforms — bringing education to underserved communities.
The company’s collaboration with Circular Energy promotes responsible e-waste recycling and management, while its partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) uses digital tools to protect marine ecosystems and promote environmental awareness along South Africa’s coastlines.
“We believe in the power of partnerships to scale impact,” adds Netshitenzhe. “By joining forces across sectors and investing in education initiatives like Eco-Warriors, we’re nurturing the next generation of sustainability champions and creating pathways for a greener, more resilient South Africa.”
Building a Legacy of Sustainability
As the Eco-Warriors Competition gets underway, Vodacom stands at the forefront of a powerful movement — one that not only equips young people to become environmental innovators but also inspires communities to think differently about sustainability.
Through education, technology, and collaboration, Vodacom’s Eco-Warriors initiative is doing more than planting the seeds of change — it’s cultivating a generation ready to grow a greener tomorrow.
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