Ayakha Melithafa

"It is our duty to make sure that our future and that of future generations is safe"

"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."

"Sometimes I feel like I am being used as a token."

"Since our leaders are failing us, we really should try to be active citizens and participate in these spaces as much as we can, so we can hold them to account, because no one is coming to save us"

"We do not know if we might get robbed or not, but that does not stop us from continuing our work"

"We understand the risks,” she says, “but we are willing to work regardless of them"

"I will never surrender activism because I have seen how much of a difference the work I do has made"

"It's important that everyone plays their part in making sure that our future and the future of the next generation is safe and sustainable"

"It’s very important for poor people and people of color to go to these protests and marches because they are feeling the wrath of climate change the most. It’s important for them to have a say, for their voice and their demands to be heard"