Constantinides makes the Top 200 young South Africans

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Now in its ninth year, the Mail & Guardian initiative searched the country to find young people who will be future leaders and the influence behind economic dynamics.

Nominations were assessed by collecting data from readers, editorial staff, as well as research that was collected on each nominee.

They are then tasked to select 200 individuals aged 35 and under, who have an impact on arts and culture, business and law, civil society, education, health, film and media, politics and government, sciences and technology, sport, and of course, the environment.

Having travelled across the world to share her passion for sustainable community development, this young woman has shared platforms with heads of state, activists, international business moguls, celebrities, sports stars and freedom fighters, voicing the opinion of the youth of Africa, ensuring that their views are included as a key part of the global conversation in the development of the continent.

With more than a decade invested in educating, empowering and creating much needed awareness around climate change, sustainable development, agriculture and women empowerment, Catherine and her team work actively in schools, rural communities, consulting with government and the private sector across the continent.

“As a passionate African I believe that the challenges our people face across Africa need to be addressed urgently in order to look at more sustainable ways to uplift and grow the continent. Moving Africa forward requires addressing skills shortages, educational transfer and an aligned focus on the development of the continent’s agricultural sector and food security programmes.

“If we do not urgently address climate change and  the affects which we can already see taking place, including displacement of people, water challenges, climate refugees and the food crisis, we further cripple the development of our individual countries and continent,” says Catherine.

This former Miss Earth South Africa and multi-award winning social entrepreneur has certainly got industry, government and communities alike to stand up and listen.

She is determined to see visible action on the ground and will fight until the African continent is one that is food secure, low carbon intensive, economically viable, and prosperous for both people and planet.

“While I am sincerely honoured that my environmental efforts have been recognised and to have been included as one of the Top 200 South Africans, my work is far from done.

“Until local policymakers, businesses, environmental experts, educators and communities can agree on a strategy to turn challenges into opportunities, we will always need to fight for the environment.

“I strive for an environment that is safeguarded and an earth that does not need protecting,” concluded Catherine.