The dialogue was moderated by President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, of the Clinton Foundation
How do South Africa’s young leaders and change-makers envision the future of the continent?
This was the theme of a revolutionary dialogue co-hosted by the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and the Clinton Foundation on the evening of 7 August 2013.
Titled Embrace Tomorrow, the conversation highlighted African change-makers and leaders, those individuals and organisations working towards a continental economy of possibility.
Moderated by President Bill Clinton and his daughter Chelsea Clinton, of the Clinton Foundation, and by the Chairman of the Centre of Memory, Professor Njabulo Ndebele, the conversation shared ideas, success stories and thrilling revelations of some of Africa’s great young leaders.
A panel of six speakers, namely Kave Bulambo, Founder of Women Across Borders, Hadeel Ibrahim, Founding Executive Director of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Wireless, James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Bank, Zethu Ngceza, External Relations Co-ordinator at the Ubuntu Education Fund and Shaka Sisulu, Founder of Cheesekids, led the dialogue event.
Participants across the globe were encouraged to contribute their ideas and join the conversation on Twitter, under the hashtag #EmbraceTmrw. Video coverage of the event was streamed live on Facebook.
Participants across the globe were encouraged to contribute their ideas and join the conversation online. Video coverage of the event was streamed live on Facebook
The City of Tshwane Speaker of Council, Councillor Morakane Mosupyoe-Letsholo, welcomed guests and speakers to the City of Tshwane, co-host of the dialogue event
The City of Tshwane Speaker of Council, Councillor Morakane Mosupyoe-Letsholo, welcomed guests and speakers to the City of Tshwane, co-host of the dialogue event.
“We meet today at the Pretoria Showgrounds, a place renowned for hosting events of national significance and importantly, the national nerve centre of our elections,” she said.
“I am therefore confident that the ideas which we will share here today will equal the glory of this venue and set us on a renewed course for change-making, thus affirming us as real change-makers.”
Prof. Ndebele welcomed the audience to the dialogue, saying: “We are here today to look to the future and live out our essence.”
President Bill Clinton spoke about the Clinton Foundation’s recent travels though Africa as a means of identifying those challenges that still need to be addressed. “It is our long-term aim to improve the lives of people through genuine partnerships,” he said.
Chelsea Clinton encouraged the global audience to ask questions on Twitter and Facebook, relating to how to harness the power of the future.
In conversation
Prof. Ndebele, Chairman of the Centre of Memory, says: 'If writing is a mirror, it is a mirror to be reflected on, not just something to look at'
A writer from the audience posed the first question, asking: “Are we, as writers, mirrors that the public looks into to reflect our society, or are we wishing wells that society looks into to delve into possibility?”
Prof. Ndebele replied, saying: “If writing is a mirror, it is a mirror to be reflected on, not just something to look at as a reflection or a wishing well.”
Audience member Trevor Treyo, who has an interest in a number of NPOs, asked the panel what the greatest obstacle is to equal education for all.
Zethu Ngceza replied, saying: “The only barrier to education entry is the person themselves. It is up to you to be a graduate.”
Shaka Sisulu explained that education is a complex situation in South Africa, but asked whether we assess education as appropriate for our time, and if not, how do we address that?
Zethu Ngceza from the Ubuntu Education Fund says: 'The only barrier to education is the person themselves. It is up to you to be a graduate'
Hadeel Ibrahim said: “We are sleepwalking if we don't match education to the labour market.” She added that it is a national imperative to match skills to those jobs that will be available in 15 years.
“Is English the universal language that should be promoted a priority in education and business?”
Prof. Ndebele spoke about language as an identity, saying that “as we acknowledge the dominance of English in business, law and across the world, we must simultaneously prioritise the growth of vernacular languages as a very real part of one’s own identity”.
Strive Masiyiwa spoke about skills, saying: “Skills development in language will serve Africa as it grows into a major economic player.”
“What are we doing to ensure that our young men and boys are not being left out of the system, a system that seems to prioritise women empowerment?”
Shaka Sisulu, Founder of Cheesekids, speaks about values as part of a young man’s upbringing and urges men to take charge of their own lives
Prof. Ndebele spoke about the impact of gender parity as an unintended consequence, one where young men may feel marginalised.
Sisulu spoke about values as part of a young man’s upbringing, and urged men to take charge of their own lives.
As members of the South African community, how do we ensure that we become part of whatever programmes are instituted in our communities?
Sisulu again urged community members to become more proactive. “When you hear that a project is being instituted in your community, go there and see how you can help. Be a part of the solution,” he said.
“What can I do to make a better tomorrow?”
Hadeel Ibrahim, of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, says: 'We are sleepwalking if we don't match education to the labour market'
Chelsea Clinton answered: “What inspires you? And what upsets you? What do you think you can do about it? Can you address your passion through government, through business, or privately? Use that as your road map and start your journey to what inspires you. That will have a positive effect on the world you live in.”
Bill Clinton added: “Most people who have ever lived throughout history never thought about that question. They had to do what they had to do to survive. If you are in a position to ask the question about what you can do to help, you are privileged. Do what you love, help the world by creating employment if you will, but understand that you are the only person who can drive your passion.”
Kimberly Malope, an 11-year-old motivational speaker and founder of The Hand That Gives, travels across the country as a young ambassador, talking about female hygiene, and growing AIDS awareness.
“Mr Clinton, how can you help me to make my dreams come true and help foster a better South Africa?” she asked.
President Bill Clinton says "Do what you love, help the world by creating employment if you will, but understand that you are the only person who can drive your passion."
The smiling former president replied, saying: “We’ll be in touch.”
“How can you make a difference via inclusive business models for the poor?”
Strive Masiyiwa replied: “As you build your business you have to be as inclusive and holistic as possible. If your business is harmful to the environment and to your community, you should not pursue it."
“We have identified the weakness of Africa, but what are its strengths?”
James Mgawi replied: “Africa is a continent that can leapfrog to catch up in the areas of ICT and technology; the continent is adorned with natural resources and young people who are full of passion. Africa has what it takes to transform itself in just one generation.”
Strive Masiyiwa, Founder of Econet Wireless, says: 'As you build your business, be as inclusive and holistic as possible.'
Prof. Ndebele said we should celebrate Africa’s relative period of stability and a lack of conflict, where an elected government has almost become a given.
“Market economies across the continent are consolidated, the youth are a priceless treasure,” he added.
In closing, Bill Clinton shared a lesson learned from Nelson Mandela.
“One of the great legacies of Mandela is that in spite of the fact he was denied the right to see his own children, he never forgot that politics and economics are about people’s stories.”
A special thank you to the City of Tshwane for hosting the dialogue event at the Pretoria Showgrounds.
