From covid-survivor to environmental revolutionary

By Vuyisile Hlatshwayo

While many of his University of Eswatini (UNESWA) law classmates enjoy a life of luxury in the suburbs, 54-year-old Musa Ndlangamandla has chosen a different path. Tucked away in the rural Nkhaba area, Ndlangamandla has no regrets about trading the trappings of the legal profession for a life dedicated to community service. His journey, fuelled by a passion for social justice, has transformed him from a journalist to an environmental activist, making a lasting impact in eSwatini.

It all began in 1993, when the Times of Eswatini hired Ndlangamandla as a journalist. His work quickly brought him face-to-face with the harsh realities of life for many emaSwati. One story in particular forever changed him. Ndlangamandla recalls vividly the day he reported on a mother of three from Mndobandoba, who was severely burned while scavenging at a dumpsite. Desperate for food amidst the country’s drought, she had ventured into a charred area to find scraps to feed her children. Touched by her plight, Ndlangamandla sought help from the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society and convinced his editor to launch a community outreach page in the newspaper.

“That story broke my heart,” he remembers. “Seeing a woman burnt while searching for something to eat for her children made me realize that I couldn’t just stand by. That’s when I knew I had to commit myself to serving those in need.”

This experience planted the seed that grew into a lifelong dedication to community activism. Ndlangamandla’s passion for social justice had already been ignited during his time at UNESWA. Influenced by his peers and the slogan “an injury to one is an injury to all,” he became an ardent advocate for human rights. His background in law and journalism equipped him with the tools to fight for social justice, and over the years, his focus shifted from legal and journalism matters to environmental activism.

In 2021, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Ndlangamandla’s instinct for service was once again sparked. While taking daily brisk walks with his wife, Zodwa, to stay healthy and prevent the virus, they noticed children playing with discarded masks and gloves in Mbangweni village, where they were living. Horrified by the health risks, the couple took action risking their own lives.

“We couldn’t just watch,” he says. “We saw the children playing with potentially infectious waste, and my wife said, ‘yibutse’—pick it up. We started collecting the waste ourselves, making sure it didn’t end up in the wrong hands. We eventually contracted the deadly coronavirus but, thank God, we both survived it.”  

Their efforts soon evolved into something bigger. In May 2021, Ndlangamandla founded Yibutse Green Action, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental stewardship. The name, “Yibutse,” meaning “pick it up,” became synonymous with the grassroots action for a cleaner and greener eSwatini. Under his leadership as executive director, Yibutse has become a growing force for environmental consciousness, with a focus on responsible waste management and sustainable development.

“We’ve planted the seed,” he says. “The under-12s think it’s a game, but it’s much more than that. They’re learning to care for their environment. Yibutse isn’t just an organization anymore; it’s a movement.”

One of Yibutse’s young volunteers, 15-year-old Siphelele Malinga of Msunduza Location, is an example of how the movement is inspiring the future generation. In a WhatsApp interview, Siphelele explains her motivation: “I participate in the anti-littering campaigns to ensure that natural habitats live in a clean and safe environment.” Her mother, equally supportive of the green agenda, even cover Siphelele’s travel costs to attend clean-up campaigns.

Today, Yibutse Green Action boasts 150 volunteers, ranging from youth to elders, and operates in partnership with communities across eSwatini. Ndlangamandla’s approach is rooted in collaboration—he believes that sustainable environmental change must come from within the communities themselves. He emphasizes that Yibutse’s goal is not just to clean up, but to create lasting networks of environmental stewards.

“When we go into a community, we don’t just clean it up and leave,” he explains. “We bring volunteers and involve more people from the area to work with us. They have to see the problem and be part of the solution. That’s how we ensure sustainability for the future.”

Yibutse Green Action’s impact extends beyond waste collection. The organization has forged partnerships with government ministries, municipalities, parastatals, and international organizations. Notably, it has worked with the European Union (EU) on reforestation efforts, planting over 250 indigenous trees in Malindza area in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) Chief Executive Officer, Gcina Dladla, has recognized Yibutse’s grassroots impact. “Yibutse Green Action is a grassroots-based environment movement formed by emaSwati contributing to biodiversity conservation,” he says. “We’re looking at ways to strengthen our partnerships and resources to support their initiatives. So, we can upscale the interventions and encourage community activism in issues of climate change.”

Ndlangamandla is deeply concerned about the effects of deforestation on eSwatini’s environment. He highlights how the indiscriminate cutting down of trees contributes to environmental disasters, such as floods and infrastructure damage.

“When you cut down trees that took decades to grow, the consequences are devastating,” he says. “Rainwater gushes down during storms, eroding the land and destroying infrastructure like the Maphiveni Road for example. We have to protect our trees to protect our future.”

His environmental activism is shaped not only by local concerns but also by his broader life experiences. Ndlangamandla has come a long way from his days as a member of the King’s Advisory Council (Liqoqo) in 1998, where his combined law and journalism background helped him advise King Mswati III on media issues, public relations matters, and international press interactions. He also served on Sam Mkhombe’s speechwriting team, bringing his expertise to high-level communications.

However, when his five-year term in Liqoqo ended, Ndlangamandla’s career took a sharp turn. Appointed as the chief editor of the Eswatini Observer by King Mswati III, he sought to open the royal newspaper to diverse perspectives, introducing his “Asikhulumisane – Let’s Talk” column, which featured both progressives and traditionalists. His move to turn the newspaper into a free marketplace of ideas was seen as a challenge to the status quo. When police attempted to confiscate his computer, fearing his imminent arrest, Ndlangamandla fled to South Africa.

While in exile, he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change, particularly during the Jukskei River floods that killed many in Alexandra Township. This experience deepened his resolve to address environmental issues back home, recognizing the urgent need for action against climate change.

“Even though I’m just a small dot on the planet, I know I can contribute to the solution,” he says. “If we don’t change our mindset about the environment, climate change will destroy us all.”

Back home in eSwatini, Ndlangamandla continues to advocate for environmental responsibility at all levels of society. He calls on law enforcement agencies, environmental groups, and government bodies to collaborate more effectively, stressing that working in silos undermines the fight against environmental degradation. He also points to Rwanda’s success in making Kigali the cleanest city in Africa as an example of what can be achieved through coordinated efforts.

Looking ahead, Ndlangamandla is hopeful that eSwatini will see policy changes that promote environmental stewardship. His dream is for Yibutse Green Action to leave a lasting legacy of environmental consciousness, especially among the youth.

“Each of us has a role to play,” he concludes. “Whether you’re a lawyer, journalist, or activist, ask yourself: What’s your contribution to a greener future? We all have a responsibility to act now.”

Ndlangamandla’s journey, from a journalist to an environmental leader, is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of global challenges. His story reminds us that even small acts of service can spark movements that change the world.