Pic : From left (In Black) MEC Moeketsi and winner in the middle with Temvelo project manager Marilyn Sibiya
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
On a night defined by reflection, pride, and an urgent call to action, the atmosphere inside the Graceland Hotel, in Secunda under the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality was electrifying.
Beyond the glitter of trophies and the celebration of green pioneers, the 2026 Temvelo Awards, preceded by a high-stakes Climate Change Symposium and Expo, brought into sharp focus the human heart behind Mpumalanga’s environmental movement.
From young learners transforming schoolyards into eco-sanctuaries to community heroes restoring degraded land with their bare hands, the event honored those turning climate policy into everyday hope.
The dual events served as a vital dialogue platform to translate South Africa’s National Climate Change Act into local action.
Themed “South Africa’s Future is Green. Will Your Brand Lead It?”, the daytime symposium tackled critical topics across multi-stakeholder commissions, ranging from Green Finance, Just Transition, and Circular Economy to Illegal Mining and Water Security.
Yet, as evening fell, the focus shifted to the human champions driving these changes on the ground. Among the celebrated highlights of the evening were:
A spokesperson for the Mpumalanga DARDLEA (Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs) underscored the human power behind the initiative.
“The Temvelo Awards are not merely about recognition; they are about celebrating the unsung heroes who work tirelessly in our fields, schools, and townships. Our champions prove that environmental action starts with human dignity, local leadership, and an unyielding commitment to future generations,” said DARDLEA.
While environmental leadership took center stage, the emotional climax of the evening came during the keynote address by DARDLEA MEC, Khethiwe Moeketsi.
Connecting the fight for a sustainable environment with the fundamental right to human dignity and safety, MEC Moeketsi delivered a powerful, moving appeal addressing GBVF (Gender-Based Violence and Femicide) in local communities.
Speaking directly to the audience of corporate leaders, public servants, activists, and youth, MEC Moeketsi emphasized that true sustainability cannot exist in a society where women and children live in fear.
“Many women continue to experience violence, abuse, intimidation, and exploitation. GBVF is not a private matter that should be hidden behind closed doors. It is a serious social problem that demands collective action, accountability and a change in attitudes and behaviours. We must make it clear that violence against women is unacceptable under any circumstances,” stated MEC Moeketsi.
Her speech drew sharp parallels between caring for the earth and protecting human lives, challenging men and institutions across Mpumalanga to step up and lead by example.
“The fight against GBVF requires the participation of all of us. Men and boys must become active partners in promoting respect, equality, and nonviolence. Let us remember that the fight against GBVF is not the responsibility of women alone. It is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. I call upon everyone here tonight to become an ambassador for a society that is free from violence and discrimination,” she urged.
•Vulamasango Primary School and Gert Sibande TVET College for their Eco-Initiatives,
•Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande District Municipalities for Green Municipality Awards,
•Barberton Mines scooped the Outstanding Land Rehabilitation Award,
•Umphakatsi Peace EcoVillage won Best Community Natural Resource Management.
KM Waste Management Solutions, Womech Mechanical Works, UNTUM Recycling, TNK Greenhouse Technology, NAPO Projects and Mediclinic Highveld were among the winners for waste management, circular economy, sustainable construction and water efficiency. Agri-Startups Baatseba Agri-Solutions and Kudu Horn Projects were also recognised. Awards were also given to Media Houses and Journalists for environmental reporting.
The awards celebrated learners, municipalities, SMMEs (Small Micro annd Medium Enterprises), and community heroes driving South Africa’s green transition.
• Environmental Hero of the Year: Bethuel Mashele and Lungile Bongekile Sihlongonyane (honoured for Community Land Restoration and Soil and Water Conservation).
. Young Eco Hero & Women Champion: Muziwakhe Khumalo (Young Eco Hero) and Karabo Ngobeni (Women Champion of the Environment).
• Game Changers & Lifetime Achievement: Hendrina Recycling and Eco-Roots took home Game Changer Awards, while Linda Khoza was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Schools & Communities: St. Anne’s Eco-Ubuntu Green Club captured the Green High School Award, while Umphakatsi Peace EcoVillage won Best Community Natural Resource Management.
As Secunda’s green champions returned to their communities, MEC Moeketsi’s closing words echoed as both a guiding philosophy and an urgent charge for the province.
We must raise our children to understand that strength is demonstrated through respect, that love must never be used as a justification for control and abuse, and that every human being deserves to live free from violence,” MEC Moeketsi.
Speaking on the event Temvelo Awards Project Manager and Founder Marilyn Sibiya poured her heart out and said the awards could not have happened alone twithought the sponsors. ” We are happy as an organisation of the help that the department is giving to us as well as the sponsors. Temvelo awards and its team wouldn’t be where they are today withought the sponsorships that we have. The people of the province responded that companies responded as well as school children responded on this award. With the companies that came through we really appreciate. We have been daring since 2024. Barberton mines is one of the companies that truly understand what we mean, we really appreciate”, Sibiya said.
Sibiya has further asked for more sponsors to come through on being part of the Environmental awards as the issue of environment is a problem to everyone.
