Johannesburg Cityzens Hub

Welcome to the Johannesburg Cityzens Hub

Empowering youth for healthier urban living through policy inclusion.

Our Mission

To mobilise young people as active Cityzens who generate and interpret citizen science data, engage in policy processes, and co-create local solutions that address air quality, mobility, and urban wellbeing. The Hub will serve as a bridge between youth, science, and policy — transforming evidence into advocacy and participation into action.

Our Work

Our work is focused on the following key areas: Climate change, circular economy and disaster risk reduction.

Advocacy
& Support

This theme focuses on strengthening youth capacity to participate meaningfully in local policy development and governance processes. It empowers young people to translate citizen science data into actionable advocacy that influences city-level decisions. Cityzens will be trained in strategic communication, policy literacy, and campaign design to drive accountability and change in areas such as clean air, sustainable mobility, and public health. Through youth-led dialogues, policy roundtables, and partnerships with municipal stakeholders, the Hub will position Johannesburg’s youth as credible actors in shaping urban policy and ensuring evidence-based decision-making.

Movement Building & Facilitation

At its core, the Joburg Cityzens Hub seeks to grow a powerful movement of young advocates for healthy and climate-resilient cities. The hub will connect diverse groups — from students and runners to environmental clubs and civic organisations — under a shared goal of reclaiming urban spaces for health and equity. Through community events such as Clean Air Runs, City Walks, and Youth Assemblies, the Hub will strengthen solidarity across the city while nurturing intergenerational collaboration. These activities will also provide entry points for new participants to engage with the Hub’s broader initiatives and advocacy efforts.

Local Capacity Building

The hub aims to equip Joburg youth with the technical, analytical, and leadership skills needed to drive local action and influence urban policy. This theme focuses on practical training and experiential learning. Through workshops on data collection, analysis, advocacy, and futures thinking, the Hub will nurture youth leaders who are not only able to participate but to lead. Mentorship, peer learning, and collaboration with professionals in the environmental and policy space will further strengthen local agency. Over time, this theme will produce a cohort of youth champions capable of leading evidence-based projects, influencing governance, and mentoring others within the Cityzens network.

Sustainable Development Goals Relevant (SDG) To Our Work

Our Team

The Hub is led by a Coordinator who oversees its operations and ensures the effective implementation of its goals. Supporting this work are dedicated Run Leaders and a growing network of volunteer youth Cityzens who are trained in citizen science and data-informed advocacy.

Tyla Nxumalo

Tyla Nxumalo is a young professional specialising in advancing inclusive and meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes through policy development, policy engagement, policy implementation and capacity building. She has contributed to the South African Youth Climate Action Plan and South African Youth Gender Action Plan, which are living youth-led action plans that function as a roadmap to anchor a vision of what a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future should be in South Africa. She empowers marginalised communities, focusing on skills training and advocacy for young people, gender equality, and climate action. Her work with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) showcases her commitment to human rights and social progress. A strategic leader, Tyla inspires hope and transformation, championing equity, justice, and opportunities for young people in South Africa.

Our Projects

Results
We are proud of

Activations

Campaigns

Cityzens

Join us:

Becoming a Cityzen means taking an active role in shaping the future of your city. As a Cityzen, you’ll participate in local campaigns, receive training, and help raise awareness about key urban issues. It’s about joining a community of changemakers committed to building healthier, more sustainable urban spaces for everyone.

Does this sound like something you’d love to be part of? Ready to join the movement for healthier cities?