As TCTA marks 40 years of enabling water security, the organisation continues to support platforms that prepare young people to participate meaningfully in South Africa’s development. This commitment was reflected in TCTA’s participation in the 11th Annual Green Youth Indaba, held from 15 to 19 June 2026 at Sun City.
Hosted in the North West Province for the first time, the Indaba brought together government leaders, industry experts, young innovators and sector partners to explore how youth-led ideas can be turned into green enterprise and economic impact.
The event was held under the theme “From Youth Innovation to Green Enterprise and Economic Impact”. Discussions covered a range of issues linked to the green economy, including the economic and developmental implications of water security. This remains a critical concern as South Africa responds to climate variability, growing demand pressures and the need for resilient infrastructure.
A strong message throughout the Indaba was that innovation cannot thrive in isolation. Speakers and participants emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships between government, the private sector, academia and civil society to create space for youth-led solutions.
The programme included panel discussions and structured breakaway sessions designed to encourage intergenerational dialogue and deeper engagement on practical responses to the country’s development challenges.
During a panel discussion titled “If water runs out: what happens to jobs, industry and economic stability?”, Wanda Mkutshulwa joined representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation, Magalies Water and the Presidential
Climate Commission.
Ms mkutshulwa highlighted the importance of sustained investment in water security and its direct link to economic stability and investor confidence.
“The cost of not investing in water would be catastrophic for any country, especially South Africa. Investors consider water one of the key factors when deciding where to invest. If our water security is threatened, our economy will be disrupted,” said Ms mkutshulwa.
Kgotso Motsoane, Senior Internal Auditor, represented TCTA in one of the breakaway panel discussions. He explained TCTA’s role in the water value chain and responded to audience questions about water scarcity in the province and nationwide.
The discussion also created space to engage young people on how innovation can be supported within the water sector. Dudu Moremi, Stakeholder Relations Co-ordinator,
said TCTA and other state-owned entities could help direct young innovators towards available opportunities. “Even if the Department does not have the means to assist you, they are likely to refer you to organisations such as TCTA or Magalies Water. These organisations can then advise whether they have programmes in place to support or fund such innovations through their skills development units,” she said.
TCTA also contributed to career guidance and learner engagement. Nkamogelo Mahlangu, Operations and Maintenance Technician, shared his career journey with high school mathematics and science learners. Drawing from his own experience, he encouraged learners to remain focused, disciplined and resilient.
“At some point, I was not doing so well at school. But once I decided to change my mindset, I later became an A-student. So it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” he told the learners.
TCTA’s participation in the Green Youth Indaba reinforced the organisation’s role beyond infrastructure delivery. It also highlighted TCTA’s contribution to skills development, sector awareness and the exposure of young people to opportunities in water infrastructure, climate resilience and the green economy.
As South Africa confronts the twin challenges of youth unemployment and water insecurity, platforms such as the Green Youth Indaba play an important role in connecting ideas, institutions and young talent. For TCTA, the message was clear: a sustainable water future depends not only on infrastructure, but also on the people who will imagine, build and sustain it.
