By Maxine Govender, 2025 Africa Zero Waste Participant
‘This journey has been incredibly empowering. It has reignited my passion for the Earth and inspired me to continue advocating for climate and social justice’.
My name is Maxine Govender, and I am a youth and climate justice activist currently serving as the Programmes Lead at Zero Waste Durban.
I am still filled with gratitude and a profound sense of honour after being selected from 500 applicants to participate in both the virtual and in-person components of the 2025 Africa Zero Waste Academy by GAIA Africa.
The academy was not just an educational experience; it was a transformative journey. We explored community-led waste solutions and equipped ourselves with essential tools to amplify our voices in the fight for climate activism and social justice.
Through this experience, I realised that the waste crisis is not just an environmental issue but also a social justice challenge. To create lasting and meaningful change, our approach to waste management must be deeply rooted in our communities.
I have always believed that Zero Waste is more than a concept; it’s a lived reality. The Africa Zero Waste Academy reinforced this belief through four weeks of online sessions that covered topics such as the Fundamentals of Zero Waste, Community Mobilisation, Waste Analysis and Data Collection, Zero Waste Collection, Sorting and Logistics, and Project Implementation, Monitoring and Sustainability. Each course was thoughtfully designed and delivered by leading zero-waste experts from Africa and around the world.
The in-person component in Durban was beyond what words can express. Every moment kept us engaged and eager for what was next; no topic was repeated, and each presentation felt as fresh as a newly germinated plant. This part of the program included field visits, group discussions, informal talks, and market visits, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the academy experience. It also provided me with the opportunity to connect with fellow participants from across Africa.
This experience was nothing short of inspiring. Despite our diverse backgrounds and ideas, we were united by the goal of advancing the zero-waste movement in Africa. Sharing our various waste management strategies and learning from each other’s victories was invaluable. Additionally, presenting my personal zero-waste successes from South Africa was a proud moment for me!
This journey has been incredibly empowering. It has reignited my passion for the Earth and inspired me to continue advocating for climate and social justice.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the GAIA Africa Team, Groundwork South Africa, and the Zero Waste Academy team for this truly soul-nurturing and transformative experience!
ENDS.
