We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 National Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) Competition. After reviewing numerous exceptional submissions from talented young individuals around the country, our panel of judges has selected the top entries in each category: Video, Article, and Photography.

Video Category Winner: Nonjiwu Dumisa
Age: 17-years old
School: Zwelethemba High School

Title: How does fire affect people, fynbos, and the greater environment and what is its impact on climate change?

Nonjiwu’s compelling video focused on the dual nature of fire and its impact on ecosystems, particularly fynbos, a unique type of vegetation native to South Africa. His project explored how fire is an essential ecological process that can pose severe threats if not managed properly. By highlighting the critical balance needed to protect and maintain biodiversity, Nonjiwu’s video brings a vital perspective on the role of fire in ecological sustainability and the challenges posed by climate change.

Click here to see Nonjiwu Dumisa’s submission

Article Category Winner: Deeya Kalian
Age: 12 years
School: Trinityhouse Glenvista

Title: The Dirty Truth: Confronting the silent epidemic of illegal dumping.
Deeya Kalian was selected as the winner in the Article category for her exceptional investigative work on the issue of illegal dumping in South Africa’s diverse landscapes, highlighting its emergence as a critical environmental threat in Johannesburg. Deeya’s article sheds light on how illegal dumping not only spoils natural beauty but also poses significant health risks and complicates community efforts toward sustainability. Her compelling narrative calls for urgent action and accountability to tackle one of Johannesburg’s biggest environmental challenges.

Click here to read Deeya Kalian’s submission

Photography Category Winner: Phoebe Steyn
Age: 17
School: Hoerskool Zwartkop

Title: Suffocating Existence
Phoebe Steyn is our winner in the Photography category, with her evocative photograph titled “Suffocating Existence, Suffocating Life.” These powerful images feature a small, resilient green plant thriving in a harsh, ostensibly suffocating environment, symbolising hope and the potential for life under adverse conditions. Phoebe’s work beautifully captures the essence of persistence and adaptability in nature, reminding us of the resilience required to confront environmental challenges.

Click here to read Phoebe Steyn’s submission

We applaud Dumisa, Deeya, and Phoebe for their outstanding contributions to environmental journalism. Each winner has showcased exceptional talent and demonstrated a commitment to promoting greater environmental awareness and action through their talents.

The YRE Competition aims to empower young people to take a stand on environmental issues they are passionate about, and these winners have exemplified just that. Their work has been published and also entered into the YRE International Competition, where they will compete on a global stage with other top entries from around the world.

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