Mandela Climate Justice Award

The Mandela Climate Justice Award honors bold, visionary leaders who ignite hope and empower communities in the fight for a just, fair, and livable planet for all.

"I dare not keep quiet."

If my grandfather had kept quiet about the injustices committed against our people, we wouldn't be where we are today

We must fight climate apartheid

To honour my grandfather Nelson Mandela's legacy

About the Award

The Mandela Climate Justice Award honors individuals who dare to imagine a better world—those who refuse to accept the status quo and are determined to shape a more equitable, just, and inclusive future in the fight against climate change.

We seek climate “Rolihlahlas” or “troublemakers”

the fearless disruptors and visionary changemakers pioneering justice-driven climate action. The ones with the courage not to keep quiet.

An annual award celebrating individuals who embody the spirit of "Ubuntu"

Ubuntu is a philosophy central to Nelson Mandela’s leadership. Rooted in the belief that our humanity is bound together through shard responsibility and compassion, Ubuntu calls for community-driven change, idealistic pragmatism, moral courage, and an enduring hope for a better world rooted in empathy and the interconnectedness of our communal, societal, environmental and spiritual worlds.

Our Mission

The award seeks to celebrate and empower extraordinary climate champions, equipping them with the recognition, resources, and platform to drive their groundbreaking work forward. We aim to amplify their impact and inspire immediate action toward a future where climate action and justice are inseparable.

Honoring Action

Recognizing those on the frontlines.

Inspiring Change

Creating meaningful impact that shifts systems.

Championing Justice

Advancing equity, resilience, and hope for all.

Criteria

Proven Impact

A track record of impactful achievements whether through grassroots initiatives, equitable policies, or advocacy efforts that directly address systemic climate injustices.

Sustained Engagement

A history of consistent, long-term commitment to climate justice, with measurable influence in advancing solutions and driving meaningful progress over time.

Scalable Solutions

Demonstrate the potential for broad, replicable impact—solutions that inspire global action and lead to transformative change, adaptable to diverse regions and communities.

Community-Centered Leadership

A commitment to empowering and uplifting communities, particularly those disproportionately impacted by climate change, through efforts that prioritize human dignity, equity, and resilience for those most affected by climate change.

Intersectional Approach

A commitment to addressing the interconnected nature of climate change with other pressing global issues such as gender equality, racial justice, and economic equity. The ability to link climate action with broader social movements that foster collective liberation.

Climate Justice Award

Honors bold, visionary leaders who ignite hope and empower communities in the fight for a just, fair, and livable planet for all.

Sports for Social Change Award

Honors athletes who use the unifying power of sports to dismantle systemic inequities, amplify marginalized voices, and transform lives through leadership, mentorship, and community empowerment.

Other Awards

Excellence in Education Award

Health and Humanity Award

Catalyst for Rural Development Award