The Green Youth Indaba provides a dynamic platform for young people to exchange ideas, collaborate on innovative environmental solutions and showcase their talents through initiatives such as the Green Youth Innovators Pitch Competition, which promotes youth-led entrepreneurship in South Africa’s green economy. Through panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities focused on the circular economy, plastic waste, water conservation and environmental sustainability, the event equips young leaders with the knowledge, connections and inspiration to drive a greener future. The annual event brought together more than 1,000 young environmental leaders, entrepreneurs, government representatives and industry stakeholders committed to advancing South Africa’s green economy. The Indaba focused on empowering young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to access green jobs, establish sustainable businesses and drive environmental innovation.
Dr Kishan Singh, Dr Ravi Nadar, Ms Belinda Booker and Mr Kwandiwe Mayekiso represented MetPac-SA at the 11th Green Youth Indaba, held at Sun City from 17–19 June 2026. Dr Kishan Singh participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Beyond Recycling: Building Circular Economies That Create Jobs’, alongside representatives from The Glass Recycling Company, Polyco, PETCO and Fibre Circle. The discussion highlighted the transition from traditional waste management to circular economy models that retain valuable materials in productive use while creating employment opportunities. Panellists emphasised collaboration between industry, government and communities, noting that well-designed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programmes, improved collection systems and investment in recycling infrastructure can stimulate economic growth, strengthen local value chains and create meaningful livelihoods.
Dr Singh also delivered a keynote address entitled ‘The Paradox of Progress: Why Human Achievement Now Demands Environmental Stewardship’. His presentation explored how rapid industrialisation, technological advancement and economic growth have improved quality of life while simultaneously increasing pressure on natural resources and ecosystems. He challenged delegates to redefine progress by embracing sustainability, innovation and responsible resource management, stressing that future prosperity depends on balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.
Throughout the Indaba, Ms Belinda Booker and Mr Kwandiwe Mayekiso managed the MetPac-SA exhibition stand, engaging hundreds of young delegates on waste management, recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility. They provided practical information on career pathways within the green economy, highlighting opportunities in recycling, collection, manufacturing, compliance, environmental education and circular economy initiatives. Their interactive engagement demonstrated how young people can contribute to building a cleaner, more resource-efficient South Africa.
Dr Ravi Nadar served as a judge for the Young Researchers’ Pitch Competition, providing constructive feedback to participants on strengthening their research methodology, presentation skills and practical application of their findings. The competition showcased innovative youth-led environmental solutions, with the winners announced during the Green Youth Indaba Gala Dinner on 19 June 2026.
Dr Nadar also presented at the Green Youth Indaba Masterclass held at Orbit TVET College, Mankwe Campus, Mogwase, in the North West Province. His presentation traced humanity’s journey from hunter-gatherer societies to today’s era of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), illustrating how population growth, industrialisation and increased consumption have intensified pressure on the environment. He explained how South Africa’s EPR framework shifts responsibility for products and packaging across their entire lifecycle from design and production to collection, recycling and end-of-life management supporting the transition to a circular economy where producers, government and consumers share responsibility for reducing waste, conserving resources and securing a more sustainable future.
MetPac-SA’s participation in the Green Youth Indaba 2026 reinforced the organisation’s commitment to advancing sustainable metal packaging, the circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in South Africa. Through thought leadership, youth engagement, knowledge sharing and support for emerging researchers, MetPac-SA demonstrated its ongoing commitment to building industry capacity, promoting responsible resource management and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. These initiatives are closely aligned with MetPac-SA’s mission to drive sustainable packaging solutions while supporting environmental stewardship, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
