While the world talks about going green, Thandisile Fatyela is doing it—one community at a time. This South African environmentalist and social entrepreneur has captured attention with his innovative approach to climate change and youth empowerment through his initiative, Climate Change Champs.
Fatyela’s program doesn’t just educate—it activates. It provides young people with hands-on experience in sustainability projects, from urban gardening to recycling campaigns. In doing so, he’s not only preparing them for careers in the green economy but also instilling a sense of responsibility and leadership.
What makes Fatyela’s work unique is its intersectional impact. His initiatives tackle unemployment, environmental degradation, and educational inequality all at once. It’s a holistic model that other African countries are beginning to notice.As the climate crisis accelerates, leaders like Fatyela show that local action is not only possible—it’s powerful. His grassroots efforts have positioned him as a rising figure in Africa’s climate movement in 2025.