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In addition to feeling sad and mindful remembering the young lives lost 41 years ago today, my heart feels very heavy.
I am now an adult having grown up during the height of apartheid and having stood for hours in a long, hot, expectant, slow yet hopeful queue to cast my vote in 1994, I cannot shake the feeling we that we have lost our path in what we hoped to achieve on that important day 23 years ago in 1994.
As children, we look to our parents and other adult role models to guide us and steer us on the right path. Our youth today look to us, the adults and our leaders to set an example and to guide and lead them to a future of prosperity, honour, honesty and integrity.
To say our leadership has failed dismally is an understatement. How on earth can we expect the youth of today to lead our country on the right path in years to come when the very leaders setting the example are devoid of the very qualities we are trying to instill in our youth.
Our youth are learning by example that short cuts, greed, lies, corruption, wealth, sex and disillusioned power are the cornerstones of our future. How can we expect our youth to follow when we are not leading?
I have faith in our youth and I have the privilege of dealing with many young people of all races on a daily basis.
I am often quietly suprised by their intelligence, compassion, vision and expectant hope. I am enriched daily with their thoughts and their incredible vision for our country. They just need the opportunity to be able to rise up and fly and I will do whatever I can to ensure these precious, thoughtful, patriotic beings are given that opportunity, despite the obstacles they may face.
Our leaders are too busy looting and lying to offer our youth their full attention and the ANCYL seems to be run by a bunch of unemployed, captured overgrown teenagers with a taste for curry.
So I implore you, the average South African, to ensure our youth rise and fly and that they are well equipped in order to lead our beautiful South Africa in years to come.
Become leaders in your community, set examples, become mentors and offer assistance wherever possible. Show our youth by example, how to conduct their lives with honor, integrity, honesty and courage.
So my fellow South African, I beg of you, be the change you want to see in the world and live the future you envision for our country.
