Lisakhanya Mathiso, 22, grew up in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. An early fascination with thrift fashion, the revival of trends from past decades and the cultural pride in everyday dress in her community laid the foundation for her creativity. But as her understanding of climate justice deepened, so too did her purpose. Today, Mathiso merges fashion, activism and education through her ReFresh Initiative — a project that upcycles clothing and redistributes it while sparking awareness around climate change, dignity and sustainability. Since entering the climate space in 2019, she’s gained experience through her dual roles: as communications and advocacy officer at Project 90 by 2030 and movement building officer at the African Climate Alliance. In both organisations, she drives climate literacy, stakeholder engagement and youth development — empowering young people to build their community projects. Her advocacy extends to global platforms, including COP and continental summits, where she represents the lived experiences of South Africa’s youth. She also works with Amnesty International as a digital rights champion, contributing to campaigns like #FixTikTok. Mathiso believes in raw, authentic storytelling as a tool for justice. Her words to her younger self? “You’re doing great — never forget to pat yourself on the back.”
Higher certification in Information and Communication Technology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (*final year)
Gabriel Klassen and Bhekumuzi Dean Bhebhe have played a significant role in my growth as an activist. The way they advocate for intersectional justice — centring people and practising it daily — gives me a strong sense of direction in the space we all share.