The author, motivational speaker, music producer and entrepreneur, was amongst key figures that were part of the inaugural Youth Managers Leadership Seminar held at KPMG’s offices in Parktown.
The Seminar’s idea is to develop leadership skills through mentoring at six different schools and over 100 learners.
“Do not let negative voices or their home backgrounds be a hindrance to achieving their dreams,” says Leope.
Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba, Shanduka Foundation Chairman and ANC Dep President Cyril Ramaphosa and SABC Board Chairperson Zandile Ellen Tshabalala, graced the Seminar.
“Unless we develop leadership capabilities and potential among our youth now, the future might turn out to be disastrous for all of us,” says Gigaba.
“We can’t trust our future with people who have no experience and will begin confronting responsibilities when they must begin to exercise them.
“Developing future leaders today will help you develop insight and practical experience in leadership so that when tomorrow shall come, you are not confronted with an unknown responsibility for the first time.”
“It is when youth are given responsibilities today and made to be part of constructing a vision of the future and of pursuing that vision that they will become even better leaders and people tomorrow,” concluded Gigaba, who is the former ANCYL President.
Ramaphosa said:” As young people, you must yearn, and yearn deeply to be educated because the class of ’44 were educated people. The class of 1912 left the country to be educated overseas and came back armed with great knowledge and said ‘we must unite and form an organisation that will free our people’, culminating in the formation of the ANC.
Without education, a nation perishes. Lock your objectives on getting a good education,” advised Ramaphosa.
Mabutho Mthembu, Chairman and Founder of Youth Managers, reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to youth development, “This year we have committed ourselves to focus on three critical pillars, i.e strengthening our capacity, our growth and strengthening the quality of our programmes.
Neo Mbele, a learner at Phumula Gardens Secondary School, summarized it eloquently by quoting Phrixus Greek tragic dramatist, Euripides:” “Whoso neglects learning in his youth, loses the past and is dead to the future.”
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