As Youth Month in South Africa draws to a close, Project 90 by 2030 would like to take this opportunity to reflect on one of our amazing young climate leaders, Lisakhanya Mathiso!
Having joined the YouLead Initiative programme in 2019, we have had the opportunity to watch and, in some ways, support Lisa’s growth into the amazing young climate activist that she is today. From grasping the fundamentals of climate justice to becoming an ambassador for changemaking and an active movement builder, today we reflect on just a snapshot of Lisakhanya’s journey with us and others within the climate justice movement.
2019
While Lisa’s journey into climate activism may not have begun with Project 90 by 2030, 2019 saw this young person start to understand her role in the climate justice movement; her entry point being Project 90 by 2030’s YouLead Initiative programme.
Lisakhanya Mathiso, YouLead Initiative Playing with Solar, 2019
With 2019 marking the year of the first global climate strikes and the rise of prominent climate justice activists, it also saw Lisakhanya step into her role within the movement.
Ever humble and with a touch of self-consciousness – as is often the case when thrust into new spaces – Lisa found the balance of asserting her voice and supporting the youth climate justice movement in Cape Town from behind the scenes. Through her voluntary engagement with the African Climate Alliance, she began to grasp the meaning of collective action and deepen her knowledge and understanding.
2020 – 2022
Having graduated from the YouLead Initiative at the end of 2019 and after three successful and deeply impactful mass mobilisations organized by the African Climate Alliance, Project 90 by 2030, 350 Africa, and others in Cape Town, Lisakhanya prepared herself to deepen her engagement within the climate movement on the ground. However, the onset of the Covid-19 lockdown brought all plans to a halt. Nevertheless, Lisa did not relent. She seized the opportunity to explore more effective activism through voluntary work with both Project 90 by 2030 and the African Climate Alliance.
Lisa and her peers began pondering how to reach people in a time of physical distancing, how to reshape messages to encourage engagement, and where she fit into those plans.
This mindset led to work through online platforms aimed at building knowledge and capacity, as well as providing strategic voluntary support for events and workshops as lockdown regulations eased. She not only assisted in nurturing potential young climate leaders but also continued her own learning and growth.
Lisa’s persistence in staying in the background until she felt ready, and her ongoing commitment to building knowledge and capacity within herself, solidified her local footprint in the climate justice movement. It also marked the beginning of her professional career in the civil society space as she officially joined the Project 90 by 2030 team as a Communications Intern and Youth Spokesperson. With her roots firmly established locally, Lisa’s ventures overseas began to take shape.
Participating in a month-long climate justice program in Germany, Lisakhanya brought the South African youth climate justice message to international audiences. Her time in Germany involved engaging with intergenerational groups and audiences through facilitated artivist workshops and on-stage presentations, highlighting the impact of climate change on communities.
Lisakhanya Mathiso speaking on stage in Germany about artivism and youth climate activism, 2022
Her engagement with coal mining-affected communities in Germany and participation at the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SB 57) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) prepared Lisa for her first Conference of the Parties later that year in Sharm-el Sheikh, Egypt. There, she boldly countered false narratives from decision-makers and advocated for justice for marginalized groups and countries.
Visit and activation in Lützerath village in Germany, 2022
SB 57 engagement in Bonn, Germany, 2022
2023 – Present
With 2023 marking the first opportunity in two years for on-the-ground mobilization following the lockdown, Lisa sought ways to support movement building alongside her work in climate justice narrative development with Project 90 by 2030’s Communications team. Eager to ensure her accumulated experience, knowledge, and skills were put to good use, she swiftly accepted an opportunity to join the African Climate Alliance as one of their Field Officers. This role allowed her to engage with high school students and youth in communities, fulfilling aspirations she held since late 2019.
While continuing to expand her influence locally, Lisa’s global involvement continued with participation in the Youth Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon, the African Climate Summit in Kenya, and COP28 in Dubai. Creating friendships, forging connections, and leaving a lasting impact wherever she went, Lisa balanced global thinking with local action, collaboration, and implementation through innovative approaches to deep changemaking.
We are privileged to have witnessed the remarkable growth of such an outstanding young activist. Lisa’s role as a climate justice artivist, communicator, and movement builder through her impactful work is truly inspiring.
Lisakhanya, we commend you for your passion and drive, and we hope that the flame burning inside you continues to illuminate and inspire others to take action as well.
