Good evening ladies and gentlemen, to this, the graduation dinner of the SAWIP class of 2011. We are privileged to have you in our company. I wish to thank our parents who are present this evening. Thank you especially to my mother and sister who remain my strongest support structure. I extend my gratitude to my grandparents, who were unable to be here this evening for their unhindered encouragement and motivation. I wish also to thank, my host family, Carol, Tom, Max, Maria, Nicole, Melvin and Scrappy the dog, for their warm hospitality, and continued dedication to the program.

This evening, I have been entrusted with the responsibility to speak on youth development. For the sake of clarity and limited time, I will root my speech in South African soil.

Dempers has meticulously painted the canvas which was our collective SAWIP experience. We have undoubtedly learnt a great deal about leadership, community and service, and how it all intertwines in our vision for South Africa.

Our vision for South Africa.

These past few days, I have thought deeply about the collective vision for SA. Admit tingly, my vision for my native land has been mired by years of privilege, of living behind a glass menagerie, looking onto the SA landscape and ‘itspeople’ as an observer. My vision has been tilted and skewed to emphasize the need for economic development and looser economic markets; of freer-barriers of trade and a laissez-faire government approach. I envisaged the southern tip of Africa as a trading hub, with multinational conglomerates vying for the people’s rands and cents. This, I envisaged with the sinister knowledge that I would inherently benefit from this capitalist society.

I struggled to think of a collective vision for SA, because I had reduced the collective (essentially the African majority) to statistics. Numerical figures obtained by a regression model. At a comfortable distance I quoted the findings.

My crooked vision for SA was adjusted this past weekend in Stellenbosch, at the Lead Young seminar. There, before us, were 24 enthusiastic high school students, eager to soak up valuable lessons of leadership, service and community. And learn they did. The comprehensive SAWIP curriculum offered a fresh perspective on the above mentioned concepts in a SA context. But, in truth, the interaction with the Young Leaders left me feeling hopeful as I relearnt the definition of community and redefined the meaning of servant leadership.

The numbers had come to life. As they impassionedly spoke boldly of their dreams and future aspirations, the numerical figures were replaced by sets of shiny eyes. As this realization dawned on me, I looked around the room and thought “this is the 60% which makes up SA. We ARE the youth!” This seemingly obvious epiphany had found its place, purpose and time at a youth development conference, organized and led by the youth itself. We are they whom, without a vision, a decent education and a stroke of luck, would solemnly join the winding unemployment line. At that moment, the once foreign phrase “youth development” manifested in the flesh.

Seldom had it occurred to me until my interaction with the Young Leaders that the phrase “youth development” has been used too loosely. Now the term chokes me, it blocks my windpipe refusing to be sung nonchalantly as an ice-breaker at corporate dinner parties, as we discuss the woes and woos of South Africa.

In my personal experience, the reason I have used the term loosely is two-fold. Firstly, I had not personalized the statistics. I had not allowed them their God-given space to dream. I had divorced my bourgeoisie-self from the pool of the seemingly hopeless souls, destined to repeat the cycle of generational poverty.

Secondly, I had not recognized the NEED for youth empowerment. I had read about it in the appendixes of economic policies and Corporate Social Responsibility programs, granted. But the flaw was in my understanding. I understood it as a means of compliance with the legislature, not as a progressive means to achieving economic and social freedom in our lifetime.

And now I realize that we, as South Africans, simply don’t have the privilege of pleading ignorance. We are not at liberty to decide whether or not to invest in skills training for the youth. We can’t choose to remain cocooned and oblivious to the SA reality, for it is OUR reality. It has to be intrinsic in our nature. It must be fluid to our thoughts. Ladies and gentlemen, if we are truly committed to the vision of a democratic society, in which all its citizens realize economic and social freedom, we ought to be committed to developing SA’s youth. Our failure to do so will result in potential leaders, chemical engineers, entrepreneurs, business analysts, medical practitioners, and advocates entrapped in the caveats of poverty, not realizing their full potential.

This evening, I am encouraging a partnership between all stakeholders (government, citizens, business) to invest in our most precious and valuable commodity; our youth, this, for the sake our nation and its entire people. The time of tiptoeing around South Africa’s dire inequalities has since past. No longer can we quote the Gini coefficient at 0.68 the highest in the world, and not become restless by the status quo.For as long as we procrastinate actual change, and continue to shift the responsibility to some other body, the wider the gap between the haves and have not’s will multiply. Let it be known, that the development of all South Africans is not a charitable offer, it is our responsibility.

Let US be the answer to our beloved national prayer. As we ask God to bless Africa, to raise high its glory, and to hear our prayers. As we plead He blesses and keeps us, to protect our nation and intervene and end all conflicts. Let us answer our own prayer, not with a habitual “Amen”, but in thought and deed.

Nkosi sikelela iAfrika.

Enkosi

We found a place called U-street; hidden in the bosom of time.

Within these labyrinths, happiness momentarily dwells. Happiness is a coy mistress, who visits in the deep of the night.

O! How we anxiously await the setting of the sun.

We beckon the darkness to shield our eyes from the torment outside. We want a place for our dreams to reside.

A place where our dream can swell, pompous and proud, walk about with its chest jutted out. We yearn for a place where our dreams can dine, with fine porcelain china and distinguished company.

 

Our dreams want to fox-trot in the grandeur of the Whitelaw Hotel ballroom. Let the sweet sultry sounds of Duke Ellington seep out of the Howard Theatre and into the streets. Let ‘Sophisticated Lady’ travel unbound and spill into our homes. Let it marry our ears and entertain us for a bit.

Let the music entice us, distract us, entertain us! Play for us the sounds our dreams long to hear.

 

‘Til the police gather and the people scatter and the music croaks and our dreams choke.

 

But the repressed cannot be contained indefinitely.

A dream-deferred is not lost. It will fester and fume.

It will slowly seep from pregnant pores or unexpectedly explode.

It will not be discarded, it cannot be ignored.

 

Suffocate our dreams no more …

 

 

It is a rare opportunity to have in one room, dynamic young leaders discussing pertinent global issues. This was the opportunity presented by the Youth Day celebration on June 16 2011. An immaculate mansion with grandeur and elegance- the home of Mr. Ibrahim Rasool - was the meeting place for the ‘imbizo’.

 

In the middle of the spacious room is an overbearing wooden table. We stream in to take our seats, carefully assessing the view that each position offers. I take my seat in the second row, pleased with the Ambassador’s view to my right and his distinguished guests.

 

The Ambassador welcomes us to his ‘modest’ home, introducing the delegated from the South African Embassy and the organizations and universities represented.

The protocol is tedious, but necessary. It is during these lengthy introductions time that I reflect once more the significance of this day.

 

June 16 1976 is a day that marks a long-standing struggle against an oppressive and discriminatory apartheid regime which used education as a tool to further marginalize the African masses. Scores of black students have felt the hands of Bantu education strangle their opportunities of ‘meaningful’ future employment and higher education. Bantu education was introduced by the National Party in 1954, to cater for black students separate educational needs. However, this was clearly a false mandate of the National Party as black schools were poorly equipped, with no science laboratories or sports fields, and often no library.

 

As frustrating as this inferior education system was, it was the introduction of Afrikaans as a compulsory medium of instruction in 1976 that ‘blew the cap off’. The rationale is said to be that Afrikaner conservatives “felt that black school children were becoming too assertive and "forcing them to learn in Afrikaans would be a useful form of discipline".”

Tensions over Afrikaans brewed in the following months, and on that fateful day 15000 students gathered in Vilakazi Street in Soweto marching towards a barricaded wall of policemen. Despite warnings from the police, the students did not disperse, instead continued marching headstrong forwards…forwards…phambili.

Similar marches occurred throughout South Africa that year. 575 people dead, 451 at the hands of police. 3 907 injured, with the police responsible for 2 389 of them. 5 980 people were arrested.

 

We ought to remember the youth of South Africa during those years, not only those who bore the cold, teargas and bullets on July 16th 1976. It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I am obligated to act towards the injustices still evident in the education system today.

 

The residue of Bantu education lingers. In 1976, the government spent R644 on each white child, whereas each black child was allocated a mere R42. In 2011, the education system remains segregated, not between racial lines. Well, at least not explicitly. But there is a strong correlation between being black and economically-disadvantaged in South Africa, and therefore receiving the short-end of the stick.

 

And so the question that remains is ‘Who’s responsibility is it anyways?’ We’ve seen much finger-pointing from politicians since 1994 of the two-tiered structure of the current education system; the “haves” and the “have-not’s”.

It is indisputable that:

1. Education is necessary to achieve a higher standard of living in the future.

2. The government has a pivotal role to play

 

I am deep in thought, wrapping my head around the relevance and importance of June 16, that I hear South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr. Marius Fransman quote that “there are 7 million youth in South Africa. 3, 1 million of which are unemployable”. This is disheartening. It is overwhelming because it indicates that the cyclical effects of unemployment will follow.

 

Mr. Fransman concludes his speech by reiterating Mahatma Gandhi’s words – which we ought to be the change we want to see. I sigh knowingly, that the baton has been passed from the ‘old generation’ to ours.

 

I have not answered the contentious question as to whose responsibility it is to solve our social and economic issues. But I take courage in the tenacity and determination of the youth in 1976 who instead of looking for an answer to come from political leaders, they took it upon themselves to revolt against an oppressive government. We ought to do the same.

 

“We all drink from wells we did not dig, we profit from persons we did not know.” Deuteronomy 6:10-12

 

http://www.info.gov.za/speech/DynamicAction?pageid=461&sid=19209&tid=35361

15 doe-eyed young South Africans descend by plane to Washington D.C on 12^th June 2011. Once the tedious process of screening, passport verification and luggage collection is complete, we stagger towards an ecstatic Kim. Her arms are extended towards us, and we briefly embrace. Sigh! We have arrived.

 

After an American barbeque at the Cantrel’s, we discussed general admin issues (including traveling in D.C, dress codes and upcoming events). One sleep and we were off to our respective internships. I navigated my way to the bus stop, recalling the directions Maria had given me the previous night.

 

Out the door- turn right- turn right again- walk straight. Phew!

 

I took careful note of the street names, the metro bus numbers, the local store and antique shop. I’ve never been one for directions, might I add. I’ve always viewed ‘getting lost’ as an opportunity to explore… needless then to say, I’ve gained the reputation of ‘Great Explorer’.

I am interning at the Corporate Council on Africa; an organization which facilitates trade relations between United States companies looking to broaden their business into the African continent. With nearly 200 American corporations as members; ranging from small enterprises to Fortune 500 conglomerates, this is a reputable institution!

Take it all in- I repeat under my breath, as I’m introduced to the staff and fellow interns. Take it all in.

 

The nature of work the CCA engages in demands professionalism and personal initiative. As an intern for five weeks, I am determined to make an indelible impression here. It is with this in mind, that I write an article for the June Africa e-Journal; a monthly report which is distributed to CCA member corporations and the general public. A sizeable audience. My article is entitled “B-BBEE Equity Equivalent Programs: Creativity Meets Compliance”. It is featured in the ‘Entrepreneur’s Corner’ of the journal. Follow the link below to view the June 2011 Africa e-Journal.

https://custom.cvent.com/24FC00C8E2B14C51845B363F26CD6006/files/7fca50da5aea4c9aa2eccd63dce6fe89.pd

 

Hot on the heels of this personal milestone, I attend a forum discussion “African Food Basket: Innovations, Interventions, and Strategic Partnerships,” presented by Malawian President; his Excellency Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika. His Excellency described the successes and challenges of the African Food Basket, which transformed Malawi’s food deficit to a food surplus spanning 7 consecutive years. I took great courage from the President’s will and vision of “Africa feeding the world”. The bold vision and subsequent strategy included basic education and training of small-scale farmers and the creation of a ‘Green Belt’. An overview of the “African Food Basket” forum discussion will follow…

 

As I reflect on the first week in Washington D.C, I am struck by the magnitude and scope of this experience! In the words of Viviek Ramsaroop “This is deep!” I look forward to the coming weeks, as we explore the topics of Servant Leadership, Democracy, Economic Growth & Entrepreneurship, Socio-Economic Human Rights, and Conflict& Reconciliation.

 

The South Africa journey towards democracy is one which has transcended bounders and inspired countries transitioning from an oppressive past, include Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

 

Nelson Mandela, in his inaugural address on 10 May 1994, challenged each South African to help build a nation in which each individual lives a dignified life “Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity's belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all.”

Nelson Mandela remains a mantra for justice and peace, but has passed the baton on to our generation. We, who enjoy the freedoms of a democratic South Africa, also bear the responsibility to ensure freedom and equality reigns in South Africa. But freedom, to me, is not limited to political freedom; enfranchisement of all South Africans regardless of race. Freedom in post-apartheid South Africa includes economic and social freedoms too. Indeed, the attainment of economic freedom elevates one from the pits of poverty and its inhumane social injustices.

It is from this yearning for freedom in its broader sense that a young group of committed individuals, have embarked on a journey to better understand the South African landscape in order to improve it as future change-agents. The SAWIP class of 2011 consists of 15 young leaders who envisage a better South Africa for all who live in it. We are a diverse group, from different backgrounds, religious dominations and political affiliations (if any).

 

It is this group of conscious leaders that re-ignite my passion for development and social justice. The meetings with dignitaries including The Deputy Consulate General, the Irish Ambassador to South Africa, and leadership guru Nigel Bailey, have provided great insight into the multi-faceted South African landscape. From the DVC of UWC, tracing the history of South Africa from the early 1800’s to an introduction into Resonance Leadership with Nigel Bailey, the SAWIP curricula has afforded me an enviable opportunity to LEARN.

 

It is with Margaret Mead’s words “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” that I am assured that Nelson Mandela’s challenge will be achieved. The SAWIP class of 2011 accepts the challenge, with the knowledge that unto whom much is given, much is expected.

 

Except nothing but greatness from this, the SAWIP class of 2011