Media advisory: Minister Schäfer meets with Ayakha Melithafa

This morning, Western Cape Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer, met with Ayakha Melithafa following the Matrics in Antarctica trip. Ayakha, a matric learner at the Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha last year, shared her experiences and insights with the Minister during the engagement.

When asked about her impressions of Antarctica, Ayakha said that she was sad to see how climate change is affecting the continent, especially when it is so important to the rest of the world’s climate. “We always thought climate change is happening slowly, but now it is just plummeting,” she said.

Minister Schäfer said: “I really look forward to seeing what you are going to do in South Africa to help drive the climate change agenda, and I am exceptionally proud that you are from the Western Cape and from one of our schools!”

Photos and a video from the meeting are available here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-j2MlIExf8_1IF-kAkaiWpIKsEKf8Dk9?usp=sharing

Details about Ayakha’s climate activism and her selection for the trip are available here:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/gc-news/408/55922