Talifhani Tshitwamulomoni, an environmental scientist from Vondo village, has been acknowledged recently by Forbes, an American business magazine, for his remarkable contribution to providing education and awareness on climate change in his community. He was among the Forbes 30 under 30 list of brightest game-changers under the age of 30.
The initiative by Tshitwamulomoni, who graduated from the University of Venda (Univen), educates communities in land degradation and biodiversity conservation. During his studies, he established the Universal Greening Organisation (UGO), a student-led environmental group whose mission is to eradicate the job gap by empowering students through community involvement and business-driven conferences.
In a telephonic interview with Limpopo Mirror, Tshitwamulomoni said the world was becoming more conscious of the implications of climate change and population growth today, and he felt honoured to have made this list. "It feels fantastic, but it also confirms that the work we've been doing for the past nine years is appropriate. I'm creating something that people all over the world can see, which is a form of validation. I hope this inspires the next generation as they are busy chasing their dreams," he said.
Tshitwamulomoni's work has earned him global recognition from institutions such as the Saemaul Undong Academy in South Korea as well. He said they also assisted in agriculture, with community backyard gardens and SMS development through training and access to the market.
"We have helped numerous communities with environmental education and awareness, clean-ups, and tree planting. We educate them about the impact they have on the environment on a daily basis, and also create space for them to produce food themselves to sustain their families," he said.
Univen Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Bernard Nthambeleni congratulated Tshitwamulomoni. "I'm very proud and grateful that one of our very own was given the opportunity to be part of such a distinguished group of young individuals," he said.