By Bahle Gama
15-year-old Ayandziswa Gama is currently the country’s youngest Parliamentarian having qualified to be in the first Climate Change Parliament of Eswatini.
Gama who is a Form Two pupil at St Mark’s High School was on April 26 announced with 23 others as part of the Climate Change Parliament, at the Hilton Garden Inn.
During the launch, it was disclosed that 556 applications were received. In an interview, the pupil disclosed when he saw the advert, he put in the application because he saw it as an opportunity for him as a young person to better his skills and further learn about climate change as it continues to be one of the world’s biggest challenges.
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“I figured I could be part of a group of young people who will come up with solutions that can improve people’s well-being,” he said.
He further stated that he wishes to delve deeper into the concept of climate change and learn more about climate change which he has never been sensitised about.
“I would like to learn more about how to deal with climate change effects as I believe as much as they are already showing themselves, there should be something done to combat the increase,” he said.
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The 15-year-old further stated that this will also allow him to learn how to stabilise activities that will enable climate change to contribute to the country’s economy.
He added that being part of this Parliament means “growth, inspiration, and exposure towards a better learning curve.”
In response to whether he has an underlying interest in politics, Gama stated that he was unsure but believes that this position will allow him an opportunity to figure it out and decide on his future endeavours.