Basitsana Happy Pitso is a rising force in South Africa’s public policy and climate advocacy landscape. As an intern at City Power’s Just Energy Transition Unit, she works on equitable energy access and sustainable development, ensuring that the country’s transition to clean energy is inclusive, community-driven, and just.
A proud daughter of Alexandra township, Basitsana’s activism is rooted in lived experience. She holds a certificate in Public Management and Governance from YALI-RCL and is completing her BA in Anthropology & Archaeology with a sub-major in International Politics at UNISA. Her academic foundation supports her advocacy across issues of climate justice, gender equity, and youth inclusion in governance.
She has contributed to key policy platforms, including:
• Youth Gender Action Plan (YGAP)
• African Youth Climate Action Plan (AYCAP)
• Committee Member of the World Youth Parliament for Water (2024–2027)
• Former Youth Policy Committee member for SAIIA
• Delegate at the G20 Young Leaders Conference, WWF Youth Climate Champions Bootcamp, and UN Youth Imbizo
Basitsana is also the founder of KasiCycle Grid, an innovative waste management and energy efficiency business designed for township communities.
Recognized as a Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African, Top 30 Young Mandela of 2024, and a 100 South African Shining Stars (Youth Activism) recipient, she is blazing a path that merges activism, innovation, and public impact.
With every campaign, policy brief, and pilot project, Basitsana is proving that young voices can—and must—shape South Africa’s future.
