OUR STORY
On the Green Place - From humble beginnings to a dynamic force for environmental change
What began in 2014 as a simple act, planting a few trees at the University of Venda, was the spark of a larger vision: to transform our relationship with the planet and each other. Those trees became the seed of the Universal Greening Organisation (UGO), a bold, youth-oriented movement rooted in Africa and now resonating across the globe.
Born from urgency, UGO was founded to confront the defining challenges of our time: land degradation, climate collapse, food insecurity, ecological injustice, and the marginalization of youth voices in shaping the future. Our work is informed by indigenous knowledge, guided by science and executed with urgency. Through partnerships with local communities, governments, international organizations and academic institutions, we bridge grassroots innovation with global policies.
We have grown from that single symbolic tree into an ecosystem of impact: from restoring degraded landscapes and planting over half a million trees, to shaping global dialogues and mentoring a new generation of African green leaders through our Fellowship and capacity-building programs. UGO is not just responding to crisis. We are designing the future.
Today, UGO has an active presence in all nine provinces of South Africa, with over 500,000 trees planted, 5,000+ youth directly impacted, 300+ schools reached, and 90+ communities served. We engage in multilateral processes and advocate boldly for African perspectives in global forums, because we believe Africa is not a passive recipient of global solutions but a powerful generator of them.
Key Milestones
Foundation
Founded by Mr Talifhani Tshitwamulomoni at University of Venda
First Major Project
Official launch and First Green Economy Summit
Expansion
Growth across South Africa with comprehensive programs
National Recognition
Continued growth as platform for positive environmental action
OUR JOURNEY
Milestones that shaped the Universal Greening Organisation.
Foundation
- Inspired by a conversation with Mr. Marubini Stephan Mugivhi, Mr. Tshitwamulomoni Talifhani founded the Universal Greening Organisation to encourage student participation in community environmental education, mentorship, and the conversion of research papers into practical projects.
Launch and First Summit
- Official launch at the University of Venda, presided over by Mr. Peter Tseola, a senior LEDET official from the Polokwane Head Office.
- Hosted the First Green Economy Summit at the University of Venda focusing on contributions from leaders including Prof Letsaelo (LEDET), Mr. Moudy Mudzielwana (Tshikovha Environmental), Mr. Agripa Munyai (PETCO), and Dr. Tinaro (Univen).
Rapid Growth & Development
- UGO expanded its approach to include comprehensive ecological education programs, community-based conservation projects, and innovative sustainable agriculture solutions.
- The approach combined traditional knowledge with modern environmental science, creating lasting impact in served communities.
- Growth across South Africa with comprehensive programs reaching schools and communities nationwide.
Global Recognition & Accreditation
- Achieved accreditation with UNCCD, UNEP, and Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Launch of the UGO Fellowship program providing South African youth with global leadership and environmental training opportunities.
- Expansion into regional partnerships across SADC, East & West Africa.
Ecosystem of Impact
- Over 500,000 trees planted nationwide across all nine provinces of South Africa.
- 5,000+ youth directly impacted, 300+ schools reached, 90+ communities served.
- Active collaboration with municipalities and local government departments on climate action initiatives.
- Established as a driving force in environmental conservation with a staff complement of seventeen full-time employees and twelve volunteers.
OUR GROWTH
From a small group of passionate individuals to a thriving community of environmental champions
Community Growth
Started with a simple tree-planting initiative, now with 17 full-time employees, 12 volunteers, and 5,000+ youth directly impacted across Africa.
Environmental Impact
Planted over 500,000 trees, reached 300+ schools, served 90+ communities, and mobilized youth across all nine provinces of South Africa.
Recognition
Received multiple awards for youth leadership and environmental innovation, becoming a model for youth-led organizations.
BE PART OF OUR STORY
Join thousands of young people who are already making a difference in their communities and the world.