You’d be forgiven for feeling a bit despondent these days. Between living in a world where we still have to fight for basic women’s rights to the rising threat that coal has on the very air we breathe (and that’s just at home… let’s not even get started on the chaos across the border and seas), things haven’t exactly been rosy. But as hard as things seem right now, don’t lose hope just yet. Despite their age, these young people are already making a difference in the world (or even just their ’hoods) and we’re taking notes. For some much-needed inspiration, keep reading…
STANDING TALL IN A SEA OF DENIAL
YOLA MGOGWANA
Eleven-year-old Yola Mgogwana carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. As an outspoken climate change activist, she can see the effect we have had on the planet, and she’s not happy about it. ‘Our weather is not normal – one day it is hot, the next day it’s raining heavily. It’s a huge problem for farmers, and floods wash away houses, leaving poor families without homes.’
The learner from Yomelela Primary School in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, began her crusade in January this year when she joined the Eco Warriors, an environmental club led by Earthchild Project Environmental Coordinator, Xoli Fuyani. ‘Ms Xoli told us Mother Earth is on fire and our future is in crisis,’ she recalls. ‘I was angry that in my 11 years of existence, no one – not even my teachers – told me about this crisis. That made me determined to act.’
Since then, she has been featured in news stories around the globe, and at the first Global Climate Strike on 15 March she stood on the steps of Parliament in front of 2000 of her fellow learners to deliver a powerful message: ‘We are the future. It starts with us.’
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Easter with edge
Grant knows what it's like to miss out on the celebrations that anchor family life.
The MALE bias
Historically, medical studies were mainly done on male mice and on men; and then extrapolated to treat women, as if a female body were just a smaller version of a male one. Here’s why that doesn’t make sense, and how to work with your body’s natural rhythm for better health.
Wellbeing
How to sleep better, feel better and look better!
The other type of CHEATING
Lies about money can have devastating consequences in a relationship.
THE 'PEST' IN PESTICIDES
oe r Despite many highly Hs hazardous pesticides being banned in their countries of origin, 192 of them are still legally exported to South Africa
START A BUSINESS LIKE a Saffer
There's nothing quite like a South African entrepreneur. In the face of adversity, they innovate and persevere. But what fuels that determination? We chatted to some self-starters to find out.
How to take the MONOTONY OUT OF MONOGAMY
It's easy to get complacent in a long-term relationship. Before you know it, your partner is little more than your roommate. Here's how to shake things up.
SUPER TROUPER
At one point, Josie Borain was the most famous model in the world. Her face was on every magazine that mattered. And in the madness of all that attention, she never lost her sense of self. She talks to us about turning 60, being single, and starting her third act with a move to the platteland.
Little wonder
Over the years we have visited 16 Greek islands, but when we first set foot on Halki, the little-known gem just south of Rhodes, we knew we'd found the closest thing to the perfect one. And we vowed to return. Often.
HOME AFFAIRS
These three entrepreneurs are redefining the heartbeat of homes through their unique blend of creativity, sustainability and purposeful design.
