Four teenagers will put their environmental knowledge to the test when they represent their respective provinces at the 17th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP17) to be held in Durban later this year.
Tasmiayh Hoosen, Prinesa Reddy and Abongile Xhantini from the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls and Danville Park Girls' High School pupil Cassandra Moodley were selected as provincial winners of an environmental debate programme hosted by Sasol and the South African Institute of International Affairs.
The programme is called the SAIIA Environmental Substantiality Project and aims to encourage pupils to consider global issues and to give youth a voice in determining their own sustainable future.
The Gauteng group took the title in the best delegation category for their presentation on climate change and food security.
In the KwaZulu-Natal heat, 17-year-old Cassandra was one of three pupils voted best presenter after putting forward her views on climate change and deforestation.
The four are among 18 who will attend the Youth @ SAIIA programme, which takes place from November 26 to December 1 in Durban, and will later attend seminars at COP17.
The Gauteng group impressed the panel of judges - made up of university lecturers - with their innovative presentation, called "Food Secrets".
"We took into account who our audience were. We presented as investigative agents, which allowed us to reveal 'food secrets' locally and globally," said Prinesa.
Once they get to the final rounds , the 18 pupils will be split up and expected to use what they have learnt during the group stages to make new presentations .
Cassandra said she was excited by the prospect of being a part of a project that will be on a global scale.
"It's the most amazing opportunity to be a part of something so large-scale, with all the potential in the world to make a difference.
"Being a part of the youth often means that there's rarely a platform to express your views, opinions and ideas. So, for these reasons, I'm very excited."
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