Raised in the village of Ga’Mokgokong in Limpopo, Rejoyce Kgabo Legodi, 29, grew up surrounded by nature and the stories of her grandparents that rooted her in traditional farming, biodiversity and living harmoniously with the land. Rejoice is a climate justice advocate, conservation filmmaker and backyard farmer. Her days involve capturing conservation projects on film and transforming rural spaces through solar-powered screenings in partnership with Sunshine Cinema. She recently co-produced a health-related climate film that premiered at the United Nations headquarters in New York — a career-defining moment. Her work was also recognised with the Wildcard Award at the 2024 South African Climate Media Awards for bringing a “fresh perspective” to climate discourse. Through a backyard nursery, she promotes sustainable gardening, biodiversity and food security. Her story has been featured in the WWF South Africa Youth Climate Champions Bootcamp, amplifying her message to a new generation of environmental leaders. Inspired by her grandmother’s advice to “use your voice wisely”, Rejoice continues to advocate for a thriving planet where youth voices lead the charge for climate justice.
Pearl Sibiya, a qualified environmentalist and activist, is an expert in biodiversity conservation with a passion for community-led initiatives. She balances technical expertise with a deep understanding of the social and cultural context. An incredible mentor, she provides guidance and support while also giving me the space to explore my interests and ideas. She has not only taught me about environmental science but also about the importance of empathy, collaboration and storytelling in driving change. Her influence has shaped my approach to conservation and inspired me to pursue my passion with purpose and integrity.