Why Climate Justice Begins with People

A Feature on Thabang Wamo Afrika (Thabang Makgakwe), Founder of Energy Trade SA

In 2025, Thabang Makgakwe dedicated his 67 minutes on Mandela Day to launching Energy Trade SA, a bold vision to bring affordable, sustainable energy to South African communities. A year later, his journey has evolved into something deeper: a mission to show that climate justice is not just about the planet it begins with people.

Reflections on Growth

“Since we last spoke, I’ve grown not because the journey became easier, but because every challenge has taught me something new,” Thabang reflects.

Over the past year, he has become a BeVisioneers Fellow and a Johannesburg Local Storyteller, travelling across the city to document climate stories. These experiences reminded him that climate justice is about lived realities families, identities, and communities.

He has also expanded his leadership through fellowships such as Ripples of Hope, Global Citizen, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Youth Task Force, and the Light Design Lab Incubator. Each programme has given him mentors, networks, and the confidence to keep building Energy Trade SA.

One milestone stands out: the development of a children’s book that teaches renewable energy through African art and indigenous knowledge. “I want young people to understand that sustainability isn’t imported into Africa our ancestors lived sustainably long before renewable energy became a global conversation.”

Recognition and Responsibility

This year, Thabang received the Youth in Climate Justice Award, a recognition he describes as “purpose, patience, culture, resilience, and hope.”

“Consistency matters,” he says. “Even when the journey feels slow, I’m moving in the right direction.” Receiving the award during Mandela Month made it especially meaningful, tying his work to the legacy of the youth of 1976.

Awards, he insists, are not the destination but the doorway: “They create opportunities. They allow more people to discover Energy Trade SA, and they remind young people that their dream is worth pursuing, even when the road is difficult.”

Building Energy Trade

Energy Trade SA continues to grow through research, mentorship, and community engagement. Thabang is refining the business model and prototype, ensuring it responds to real needs rather than assumptions.

Alongside this, he is developing creative climate education projects film, photography, storytelling, and his children’s book to make sustainability accessible and culturally relevant.

The Human Factor

As a filmmaker and visual artist, Thabang believes creativity is central to climate activism. “Creativity helps people feel climate change before they understand it,” he explains.

Through art, he translates complex issues into stories that resonate emotionally. He calls this approach The Human Factor:

• Climate action cannot exist without culture.
• Innovation cannot exist without identity.
• Sustainability cannot exist without people.

“Climate justice begins with people. Before we ask how to save the planet, we must ask ourselves who we are.”

Challenges and Resilience

Funding remains a major obstacle. “There are many brilliant ideas across South Africa, but too many never reach communities because they lack investment and long-term support.”

Yet Thabang stays motivated by remembering why he started. “Every young person inspired, every community conversation, every story I document reminds me that this work matters. My purpose is bigger than the obstacles.”

Youth, Democracy, and Climate

With local elections approaching, Thabang insists climate justice must be part of the youth agenda. “It affects jobs, electricity, food security, education, health, water, housing, the economy. When young people vote, they should ask: Who is building the future we want to live in?”

Voting, he adds, is only the beginning. “Democracy is something we practise every day by attending community meetings, asking difficult questions, organising local projects, and monitoring promises.”

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Thabang envisions Energy Trade SA as one of Africa’s leading community-driven renewable energy platforms, connecting technology, education, indigenous knowledge, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

He also hopes to pursue a university degree in Climate Change, Renewable Energy, or Sustainability, combining scientific knowledge with storytelling to amplify his impact.

His message to policymakers is clear: “Invest in young people before asking them to solve tomorrow’s problems. Support youth-led innovation. Fund community-based solutions. Trust young leaders.

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About The Author:

Sandile Mlangeni is a 2019- Activate Connector for Gauteng province, he is passionate about youth activism. He regards it as important to contribute his views and experiences to recognised entities seeking to develop communities. He started his journey as an activist in 2012 when he started collaborating with community-based organisations in his hometown in Tsakane and Kwa-Thema Ekurhuleni.