2025 Mpumalanga Green Innovation Challenge
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The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, supported by the Just Transition to a Decarbonized Economy for South Africa (Just SA), Seriti Green, SASOL, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, is proud to present the third annual Mpumalanga Green Innovation Challenge, which will be held on the 5th of June 2025 at the Sasol Recreational Club in Secunda.
The third installment of the Mpumalanga Green Innovation Challenge aims to address environmental and climate change-related challenges in the province by fostering local innovation that contributes to sustainability and economic growth. This initiative promotes innovative solutions in renewable energy, sustainable smart agriculture, waste management, water and sanitation, and green tourism.
The Mpumalanga Green Innovation Challenge has attracted 195 entrants across the province and has allowed 22 finalists an opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions, with six out of the twenty-two finalists receiving funding for their green sustainable businesses.
We are deeply privileged to confirm the attendance of the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Makhosazane Masilela, at this year’s event. Reflecting on her keynote address from last year, the MEC emphasized the Mpumalanga Green Innovation Challenge’s dedication to expanding its reach, attracting a wider range of participants, and offering enhanced support for green innovators. Her vision underscores the competition’s critical role in promoting green entrepreneurship, which is strategically designed to tackle the persistent triple challenges of unemployment, inequality, and poverty within the province.
Dr. Thembakazi Mali, the chairperson of the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, has also underscored the importance of the Mpumalanga Green Innovation Challenge to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the Mpumalanga Province.
Sasol’s support for this initiative underscores its commitment to sustainability and economic development in the Mpumalanga region. This sponsorship reflects Sasol’s shared value objectives, further enhancing its role in fostering a collaborative ecosystem for the green economy.
Sasol’s senior vice president for corporate affairs, Rightwell Laxa, commented, “Sasol has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and the creation of shared value. Our support for the Mpumalanga Green Innovation Challenge enables us to identify and cultivate promising green innovators directly contributing to job creation and economic development within the province.”
Notes to editors
About the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency: The Mpumalanga Green Cluster is a not-for-profit organization registered in South Africa. The cluster uses the triple helix cluster model with representation from government, industry, and academia as part of its design setup. The cluster works at the interface between business, government, and academia to identify and remove barriers to an economically viable green economy, catalyzing their uptake to enable the region and its citizens to prosper. Mpumalanga is a world-leading region in creating decent, green jobs by creating the enabling environment for new investments in low-carbon growth. The Mpumalanga Green Cluster agency’s board of directors are Dr. Thembakazi Mali (Board Chairperson), Dr. Bongiwe Mcata, Mr. Nathaniel Sebitso, Ms. Lauren Hermanus, and Dr. Rethabile Melamu, with Mr. Nkosinathi Nkonyane serving as the CEO (a). Read more here.
Issued by: Gift Mkhatshwa—Communications Officer on behalf of The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency
For media inquiries please contact gift@mpumalangagreencluster.co.za or 067 305 5130
