In the midst of a chaotic world, powerful voices are emerging, particularly from our youth. These future generations are resolute in their demand for global change.
Recently, we encountered one such inspiring figure: Ayakha Melithafa. Her story is deeply intertwined with her passion for her community and the pressing issue of climate change.
Ayakha’s message resonates with urgency and determination, inspiring countless individuals to take action. Fueled by her anger over the injustices faced by her people and the planet, she is a force for change in a world that desperately needs it. The leaders of tomorrow, like Ayakha, are ready to be heard.
We had the privilege of speaking with Ayakha about her vision for the future and the motivations behind her powerful sentiments. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey and the vital message she brings to the forefront of the climate conversation.
Who is Ayakha Melithafa ?
My name is Ayakha Melithafa, and I am a climate justice activist from South Africa. I became an activist after my community was severely affected by a drought that hit my province. I saw a problem and decided to act by advocating for urgent climate justice in my country to make sure no African child is left behind in the just transition to 100% renewable energy by protesting with the African climate alliance at parliament so that our president hears our cries and acts accordingly.
Why are you passionate about global warming?
I am passionate about global warming because I have always been connected to nature and believed in its healing abilities both emotionally and physically. My mom was a farmer, my grandparents were farmers so I know how nature and its resources are supposed to be treated. It hurts me to see that we have come to this point where we are exploiting nature. Since nature can’t speak for its self I decided to stand up and speak for it.
What do you think is the main reason black communities are not included in the “movement”?
Why are you passionate about global warming?
I am passionate about global warming because I have always been connected to nature and believed in its healing abilities both emotionally and physically. My mom was a farmer, my grandparents were farmers so I know how nature and its resources are supposed to be treated. It hurts me to see that we have come to this point where we are exploiting nature. Since nature can’t speak for its self I decided to stand up and speak for it.
What do you think is the main reason black communities are not included in the “movement”?
I believe it is because black communities especially those in lower income areas are already experiencing issues like poverty, unemployment, crime, Gender Based Violence etc so climate change is the last thing on their minds. I feel like they see it as a ” 1 st world country problem” or a “white peoples problem”, not knowing that we are the ones that will be most affected by climate change.
How do you think Government can help and what can they start by doing to stop environmental exploitation?
First of all the government can put policies in place to move away from coal as a power/electricity source and move to renewable energy like solar energy and wind energy, South Africa is well suited for both. The government can put into action the climate justice charter and stick to it. Lastly the government should make sure that corporations that contribute to global emissions follow the rules and regulations and hold them accountable when they do not adhere to these policies.
How do you think social media can be harnessed to spread awareness amongst the masses?
Social media is a great platform to spread awareness, share information and find like minded people who care about the planet as much as we do. We can use social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and many more to spread awareness and call out governments and corporations all over the world using a unified voice .
What is your view points on how each and every individual can be a guardian of our mother planet instead of being a consumer?
There are many things we can do, as a start :
Say no to single use plastics
Recycle
Shop at thrift stores instead of buying brand new clothes
Rent clothes
Make our own gardens using old tired , bathtubs, buckets etc to produce our own healthy organic food
Use public transport more
We can carpool
The list goes on and on there really isn’t an excuse as to why you can’t practice living sustainably
What is your advice to black communities?
I feel black communities have always lived sustainably and contribute the least to global emissions so it would be useless for me to preach about something they are already doing. My message would be that we as black communities need to stop being passive and expecting someone else to save us . We have the voice we must rise up like the youth of 1976 and use our voices to fight these injustices as one voice.
What are you doing to raise awareness on sustainable living – being the change you want to see?
I protested with the African Climate Alliance to raise awareness about climate change. I try my best to educate people of color about the danger of climate change. I have organized and attended community clean ups . I have planted food gardens for schools with Project 90 by 2030 . I participate in digital climate protests and speak at digital events to raise more awareness about climate change.
What is your wish for the future?
I wish that the older generation could wake up and realize that we can’t eat money and we can’t drink oil . I wish that we find the strength to dismantle the capitalistic society we live in so that we can stop the exploitation of the poor . I wish that we can come together and fight all of the socioeconomic injustices that we are facing today and leave this earth clean and inhabitable for the generations to come.
