Kimera Govender’s path from student to environmental advocate is an indication of her passion for sustainability, the environment and her community. A proud alumnus of the North-West University (NWU), her path has now led her to being a finalist in the prestigious Miss Earth South Africa competition, where she is making a significant impact on her community while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.
Kimera graduated with a BSc degree in environmental science with zoology and geography in April 2023 and credits the NWU with shaping her personal and professional growth.
“After high school, I was eager to find a place that felt like home away from home,” she says. “The NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus stood out to me because of its strong academic reputation, supportive community and vibrant campus life. It was a place where I could explore my passions and build relationships.”
She navigated the challenges of starting university during the Covid-19 pandemic, and despite being a private student, she fully involved herself in campus life once in-person classes resumed. Kimera excelled academically, but it was her involvement in student leadership that truly set her apart. She took on various roles, including finance and sponsorship coordinator for the Student Academic Chapter in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, where she earned the title of Sponsorship Member of the Year.
Her favourite memory? The day she graduated.
“Standing tall in the NWU auditorium, hearing the university anthem for the last time, and feeling the immense pride of knowing that all my hard work had paid off was truly unforgettable,” she reflects.
Kimera’s passion for sustainability and environmental issues is reflected in her work with Miss Earth South Africa. She has already made a real impact by planting trees, volunteering in community feedings, and leading recycling initiatives. She has also developed an environmental education programme for children and hosted a project supporting abused and trafficked women and children.
At the heart of her activism is the belief that small, consistent actions can lead to significant change. “Some people believe that small actions lead to no significant change; however, it is the consistent, little things that ultimately make all the difference,” she explains. “By helping others and incorporating being mindful about the climate and our environment into our daily lives, we can collectively make a substantial impact.”
Her advice to the NWU community is simple: embrace sustainability in your everyday life. Whether it’s conserving energy, planting trees or supporting sustainable businesses, every action counts. She urges students and staff to measure their carbon footprint and to educate others on the importance of environmental responsibility.
The skills she developed in research, problem-solving and leadership have been crucial in her current role with Miss Earth South Africa, particularly her ability to secure sponsorships—an essential part of her work with the organisation.
As she reflects on her time at the NWU, she offers advice to future students: “Make the most of your time at the NWU. Engage with diverse environments and new experiences. Challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and actively seek opportunities for personal growth.”
While she is firm that she wouldn’t change much about her journey, she does offer one piece of advice to her younger self: “Trusting and believing in yourself is the first act of self-love. Don’t allow the opinions of others to influence your choices or self-belief.”
Kimera Govender
