These are the wise words of UP alumna Luyanda Mthethwa, who helps organisations minimise their environmental impact and their ability to adapt to climate change. She chats about her interest in sustainable practices, offers advice to aspiring change-makers and shares what making the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans list means to her.

University of Pretoria (UP) alumna Luyanda Mthethwa, a sustainability manager at PwC, sits down with us to chat about her recent recognition by the Mail & Guardian as one of the 200 Young South Africans.

Tell us briefly about your background.

I was born and raised in Benoni, in the east of Johannesburg. I matriculated from Benoni High School in 2013 and began my higher education journey at the University of Johannesburg, where I pursued a BSc in Geology and Environmental Management.

Initially I wanted to become a geologist, but I stumbled into environmental management by chance and fell in love with it. It seems purpose always finds you. Since my university days, I have been passionate about sustainability, and I vividly recall organising and hosting an event called Walk for Your Own Environmental Purpose, through Greenpeace. I graduated in 2017 and enrolled in an honours degree at UP; I was drawn by the institution’s wide curriculum offering in environmental science.

Tell us about your professional endeavours.

I am a sustainability reporting and climate change manager at PwC. My role entails advising organisations on how to organise, measure and communicate their environmental, social and governance performance in accordance with legislation and frameworks.

Additionally, I assist with developing sustainability strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance and providing upskilling on regulations to interested and affected parties. I most enjoy the extensive stakeholder engagement that comes with my work. This ensures that the perceptions and expectations of various parties are considered, fostering trust and collaboration. I believe in sustainable economic development that promotes thriving environments and communities, and my goal is always to be in roles that allow me to embody that ideal.

How does it feel to be named one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans?

I’m still pinching myself in disbelief. I didn’t expect it; it’s an honour. It fills me with a deep sense of humility and gratitude to be recognised alongside such an inspiring group of young leaders and change-makers. This acknowledgement reaffirms the value of the work I have been doing and motivates me to continue striving for excellence. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility I carry to continue contributing positively to my community and country.

What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Personally, it’s been such a humbling experience. I wouldn’t have thought a few years ago that I would have been awarded with this. I have always just worked hard, and tried to leave a positive impact. So this award represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and passion for my field. It is not just an honour, but a validation of my efforts and an appreciation of those who have supported me get here. It motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and to inspire others who may be following a similar path.

Professionally, this recognition provides a platform for me to further advocate for the causes and initiatives I am passionate about, potentially reaching a wider audience and making a difference in people’s lives. This accolade reinforces my commitment to excellence and innovation in my work, encouraging me to continue striving for impactful contributions in my field.

What qualities or actions do you believe contributed to you being recognised on this list?

My inquisitiveness and desire to learn and push boundaries have driven me to constantly seek out new knowledge and challenges. Every role we take on and everything we are exposed to is an opportunity to apply ourselves diligently and make a difference. My dedication to environmental sustainability gives me the extra push to strive for more. My willingness to take the initiative and lead projects have also been crucial.

Furthermore, I believe in the power of collaboration and have actively sought out opportunities to work with others to drive meaningful change. Lastly, the support and mentorship I have received from my peers, mentors and family have been invaluable. Their encouragement and guidance have helped me to grow and succeed, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions to my journey.

Can you share any significant challenges you faced on your journey and how you overcame them?

Two that stand out include dealing with imposter syndrome. To overcome this, I’ve had to seek mentorship by surrounding myself with knowledgeable people, and equipping myself with as much information as I could on the subject matter. I also had to do inner work and reaffirm to myself that I am indeed capable of doing whatever I put my mind to.

Another challenge was dealing with high-intensity, high-throughput work projects. I did by learning to effectively prioritise tasks, stay organised and maintain clear focus on my set goals. YouTube and LinkedIn have also been my friends, as I have used these platforms to learn from others on how to manage intense workloads and projects.

How do you balance your professional achievements with your personal life?

This is a priority for me. Over the years, however, I have realised that achieving a perfect 50/50 balance is not always possible, and that’s okay. There are times when my professional life outweighs my personal life for a specific season, and vice versa. During these times, I give myself grace to focus on what’s important and what is a priority, while still being mindful of how I will eventually catch up on the areas I have neglected. This approach has taught me to be adaptable and mindful, ensuring that I can maintain a healthy equilibrium over the long term.

What message would you like to share with young women who are aspiring to achieve similar recognition?

Start small, start now and start where you are. We often wait for the “perfect time” or better resources, but every step you take brings you closer to your goals. Believe in your potential, block out the noise, stay persistent and don't be afraid to seek out opportunities and support along the way.

How do you plan to use this platform and recognition to make a positive impact in your community or field?

So much is happening around the world and in Africa regarding climate change, and we have already started witnessing its impacts in South Africa, particularly through recent flooding events. I want to use this platform, along with my social media pages, to raise awareness about these critical issues and advocate for necessary changes.

I am a firm believer of the power of collaboration. Consequently, I have begun partnering with some of the winners I met through the Mail & Guardian in my field. Together, we are organising pop-up events at high schools to discuss careers in environmental science and the importance of recycling with students around Johannesburg. I also want to be more intentional about mentoring young individuals who are embarking on similar journeys.