Durban youth strive for sustainability

THERE was much excitement at the eThekwini Municipality Area-Based Management Rooftop Garden on Saturday, July 30, as a group of youth gathered to learn about recycling and sustainability.

The event was spearheaded by Noli Mqadi (12) who is an ambassador of the rooftop garden as well as a Miss Independent Youth 2022 first princess. She was joined by fellow ambassador and Miss Petite Globe South Africa, Zoe Nyandeni (19).

With a passion for sustainability, Noli organised the event to share recycling tips with her peers.

“In my neighbourhood, there is a lot of pollution. People just throw rubbish on the ground. At my school, we were always taught to pick up litter. I am really passionate about it since our city has a lot of pollution. I love taking care of our planet,” said Noli.

The young eco-warrior is hoping for a better future – not only for her generation but the generations to come.

“At school, I learnt that in 100 years, future generations won’t have the privilege to see our planet as beautiful as it is now. That made me really sad. If I have children and grandchildren, they won’t see what I get to see now. We need to think of future generations. We won’t be here in a 100 years time when other children are growing up,” said the 12-year-old.

Noli’s mother, Nombuso Cele, told Berea Mail that the event was inspired by Noli’s love of gardening and recycling. In her talk, she discussed the types of plants growing (on the rooftop), the solar power system, water-harvesting tanks and the various items that have been recycled or re-purposed in the garden.

“Noli has a little garden at home, which was inspired by the rooftop garden. We don’t have a large space, so she adopted the idea to plant various plants in recycled items. She has taught us to re-use and recycle because if we throw things away, it creates pollution,” said the proud mother.

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Cele added that Noli started doing pageants after finding out about it while searching online.

“I didnt know anything about pageants before Noli showed me,” added Cele.

Noli added that she loves being on stage.

“I love doing pageants. For me, it’s all about expressing yourself,” said Noli.

Miss sustainability

Also advocating for a greener future is the reigning Miss Petite Globe South Africa, Zoe Nyandeni (19), who founded her own pageant, Miss Sustainability, which was held on September 11.

“My pageant is focused on creating awareness around climate change, global warming and environmental concerns. I’ve always been an environmentalist at heart. I remember reading these comic strips about environmental issues as a six-year-old – that’s where my passion grew. I’ve been an environmental advocate at heart since then,” said Zoe.

She joined Noli’s talk to expand on climate change and share tips on what to do to rectify the damage that has been done.

“We need to take land and water pollution seriously – this is what we can work on immediately and effectively. These issues are very close to home, and I think everyone can do something about it by cleaning up their areas. It doesn’t end with a clean-up – after collecting litter, it helps to sort and recycle litter. Thereafter, recreate it into new objects. Whatever is left behind can be disposed of properly,” said Zoe.

She incorporated this idea into the Miss Sustainability pageant where contestants were tasked with creating garments from recycled items.

“On the day of the event, contestants recreated outfits from recycled items that could have been thrown out, and they made beautiful dresses and outfits. That is one way we can implement the idea of recycling,” she said.

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Zoe is currently preparing for the next Miss Sustainability pageant to be held this year in September. In less than two weeks, Zoe will be representing South Africa in Mexico at the Miss Teen Globe Pageant.

Proud mother Nozipho said Zoe has been a model at heart since she was just two years old.

“She has had a passion for pageants from a young age – it is quite a hobby to sustain. When she entered Miss Teen Globe, I thought it would be her last pageant, as she is leaving school this year. Little did I know that she would win and go on to represent her country,” she said.

Miss Teen Globe International 2022 will be held in Aguascalientes City, Mexico from August 14–21.