As a child, growing up between Kempton Park and Alexandra, Buyiswa Twala, 24, dreamed of being a pilot. But her passion for science and her determination to create tangible change grounded her in innovation. As the founder and chief executive of Agrigreat Soiltech and Envirocare, Buyiswa is finding environmental solu- tions in townships. At just 23, she opened Alexandra’s first organic waste conversion centre, diverting over five tonnes of waste a month from landfills and illegal dump- sites. In 2024, she piloted Agribins in Thembisa, providing safe, designated spaces for organic waste at informal dump- ing hotspots. Her leadership style is hands-on, overseeing waste collection, ensuring machinery runs smoothly and strategising com- pany growth. Her work earned her funding to exhibit at the Bevisioneers Global Innovators Summit in Germany and becoming the first South African business to be a Top 10 finalist for the Global Restore Life Awards. Beyond her business, Buyiswa is committed to youth development. Through the Agrigreat STEM Club, she has reached over 2 000 children, bringing STEM education to township schools. As a venture coach for Unnati Academies, she’s paving the way for the next generation of innovators.
*Bachelor of Science in Life and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA) (*in progess)