A master’s student in Environmental Management at Stellenbosch University recently received prestigious national recognition for her work in this field.
Akhona Xotyeni was chosen to be one of Inside Education’s 100 South African Shining Stars and as one of Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in less than a week.
These events took place virtually on 5 September and 10 September, and were broadcasted on SABC 1 and YouTube, respectively.
Akhona Xotyeni, 23, graduated with a BA (Social Dynamics) degree in 2018 from Stellenbosch University, majoring in Psychology, Sociology and Public and Development Management. She then went on to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management at Stellenbosch University. This year, in her master’s, she focuses specifically on the role of social ecology in urban river restoration. PHOTO: Facebook/Akhona Xotyeni.
Dineo Bendile, project manager of the 100 South African Shining Stars, and Cayleigh Bright, the content producer for Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans, said that their events highlight the achievements of young South Africans, between the ages of 18 years and 35 years, who are making an effort to improve the nation and the lives of its individuals.
“Highlighting the achievements and contributions of the youth is very valuable and powerful because they are the future,” Bright told MatieMedia. “It is important to acknowledge their work, so that the public can see it.”
According to Bendile and Bright, this year’s Inside Education’s 100 South African Shining Stars and Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans had approximately 900 and 8 000 entries, respectively.
Bendile said that Akhona – an environmentalist who comes from King William’s Town, a small town in the Eastern Cape – was recognised due to her significant contribution to environmentalism especially as an environmentalist from a small town.
“There is always this perception that black people aren’t mindful of environmental issues,” Bendile said. “By being a young black woman, Akhona is changing the face of what an environmentalist in South Africa looks like.”
Xotyeni told MatieMedia that even though it makes her happy to be recognised for her efforts, her focus is not so much on achievements.
Akhona Xotyeni at the Bali Model United Nations Delegate on the Food and Agriculture Organisation Council, where she was a Finland delegate. This event took place in March 2019. PHOTO: Facebook/Nina Joan Howell.
“I don’t really do stuff for the recognition, but I appreciate being recognised,” she said. “It makes me feel like the things I am doing are seen as valuable.”
According to Xotyeni, climate change information needs to be simplified and made more relatable to the ordinary person.
“I think when it comes to environmentalism, people think they need to make grand gestures,” Xotyeni said. “But they forget that when everyone does a lot of small gestures – not littering or not wasting water – that makes one grand gesture.”
In her undergraduate years, Akhona Xotyeni resided in Sonop Ladies Residence. In 2018, she was chosen as part of the House Committee (HC) and took on the role of Sustainability HC. During her HC term, Xotyeni also attended the Green Campuses Conference. PHOTO: Facebook/Akhona Xotyeni.
Xotyeni’s older sister, Yola Xotyeni, told MatieMedia that her younger sister is “a force to be reckoned with”.
“Akhona has committed herself to ensure that the work that she does has sustained results and has a positive impact on marginalised people. I am truly proud of her,” she said.