SAIIA’s Youth Programme partnered with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFEE) to capacitate and upskill a youth delegate for this year’s COP29 from 11 to 22 November 2024.
Yakhani Mjiyakho is a 20-year-old intersectional climate activist pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in environmental and geographical science and politics at the University of Cape Town. With an extensive background in policymaking and drafting, she passionately advocates for the rights and empowerment of poor black women. Her commitment is firmly rooted in pursuing youth-centred transformative policies and the deliberate inclusion of youth in decision-making processes.
With representatives from DFFE, Mjiyakho will facilitate discussions on South Africa’s COP29 priorities by championing equitable food systems and speaking to the intersections between gender and climate as per her interests. Her most recent publication on Daily Maverick speaks of women being underrepresented in high level decision-making processes that shape domestic policies. This is followed by the distinct acknowledgement of women in rural areas who bear the brunt of traditional norms that ultimately leave them more vulnerable to environmental changes. Simply put, where water scarcity, educational and economic opportunities are severely limited for women. Mjiyakho championed the South African Youth Gender Action Plan (the SA YGAP) by marrying the intersections of climate and gender throughout the Action Plan, which is currently sitting the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
Mjiyakho’s zeal for localising the climate crisis and shedding light on the stark inequalities faced by women in marginalised communities has deemed her a worthy representative for young people living in South Africa. With this at the forefront, there is great hope for a COP29 that amplifies the voices of those experiencing environmental injustice in mining areas but also throughout South Africa.
Furthermore, Youth@SAIIA hosted a COP29 Youth Dialogue, co-facilitated by Mjiyakho on 25 October 2024 with the DFFE’s Funanani Muremi and a cohort of energetic young people. Taking her notable role as a climate leader, Mjiyakho encouraged a thoughtful discussion about the role of climate finance in the face of historical debt.
This session’s proceedings laid the foundation for the COP29 Youth Statement and its key demands.
