With the SAWIP curriculum for 2014 almost drawing to a close,I cannot but help to ponder and consider where I’ll channel my energy next. Being the enthusiastic and purpose driven person that I am, it is second nature for me to continuously also be on the lookout for new prospects. The only problem is SAWIP has raised the bar so high for me that embarking on the next search for a new platform for self-development will definitely not be an easy one.

Thanks to the extra-curricular experience I’ve had through SAWIP, it really feels bitter sweet to contemplate the ending of this amazing journey. Apart from the new skills gained, the accumulated social capital and tremendous exposure, it really is the new found friendships and human connections which stands for me as the hallmarks of my SAWIP experience. That said, I’m also cognisant of the fact that I’ve more than owned my experience, more importantly I have also incorporated the new found skills. But as with anything in life the time has also now arrived to take the bold and daunting move to explore new territory.

Similar with the onset of my SAWIP journey I also did not know what to expect. All I knew was that I’ve been afforded a significant platform to grow, and that the onus back then was on me to own and utilize the opportunity for all that it had to offer. And this was exactly what I did. The song by Edith Piaf “non je ne regrette rien” - no regrets certainly seems apt for the way I feel now.

Yet, why is it that it that one always feels so overwhelmed just before the onset of a new chapter? Maybe it is an unconscious fear for not being able to have the same great experience one have had up till then. For me this new impasse post SAWIP signals a well-deserved break to go back to the drawing board, staring with a redrafting of my dreams and embarking on a new adventure with added skills and experience.

During Leonardo DiCaprio’s recent address to the UN General Assembly he made several pivotal simplistic yet thought provoking statements. DiCaprio lamented that “climate change is not a question of politics but a question of our own survival.” Differently phrased: the crisis faced by all humanity is so great that we can longer leave it up to the empty bigotry of politicians.

DiCaprio empathetically cautioned to the General Assembly that he is “not an expert, but a concerned citizen.” I suppose that is but of an understatement as he definitely possesses more than enough social capital, but the significance remains - he elevates himself above popularity.

“As an actor, I pretend for a living, solving factious problems ….mankind has looked at climate change in the same way – pretending it is a factious problem.” These words are to me indicative of the unfortunate current discourse of humanity across the globe – pretending that the issues endured in the world are mere fiction and not reality. Moreover he notes that the issue of climate change (or any other humanitarian issues faced by the planet) is not a partisan debate, it’s a human one. It also my opinion that in our search for so called solutions we’ve lost sight of the starting point…..humanity. I think it is high time we place humanity at the focal point of our discourse; perhaps then we will start to generate the ‘real’ solutions desperately required. Fortunately for us DiCaprio also offers some hope saying that the task ahead is difficult, but achievable, lest we act now. DiCaprio’s last warning directed at UN delegates will definitely stay with me: “I pretend for a living, you do not.” A fact not just relevant for the UN but to each and every individual.

On Friday 19 September the latest crime stats were released by SAPS. The information conveyed to the public painted a grim picture of our shared South African reality and there is no way of justifying the continued increase of crime, particularly murder. This clearly warrants and allows for unconditional outcry from civil society. Our communities are under threat; our very social fabric is in jeopardy. It is with these conditions prevalent in South Africa that SAWIP strives to foster change agents to take on the challenge of securing our society and formulating safer and functioning communities across our beautiful country.

During the weekend of 20 September the SAWIP team implemented part two of a three weekend’s community engagement with students from Manenberg and Khayelistha. The focus of week two was formulated around a workshop of ‘Human Centred Design’ or HCD. As one of the lead facilitators of the day I was initially abnormally sceptical beforehand as I thought the process of HCD would be to complex and that subsequently the meaning of the message could potentially be lost on the students.

Luckily I was proved wrong. Scepticism aside, the students I specifically engaged with surprised me. Instead of being passive, the students displayed a definite yearning for wanting to understand the process of HCD. Although our attempt as a SAWIP team seems minuscule in relation to the problems faced by these students, I would want to go out on a whim state that we should never understate the value of sharing information and dissecting new ideas. The experience in DC proved to us a SAWIP team that the mere opportunity to soak in new information/ ideas on foreign soil proved invaluable insights for our own personal development. I am hoping our attempt within the community could in the near future contribute towards generating a new surge of change agents that are able to ignite a new story for their respective communities so that we can truly realise a South Africa that is safe and secure for all.

Although spring has supposedly started in the Southern hemisphere, the recent cold snap gripping the Western Cape is reflective for me of the type of dynamics that tend to play out during this time of year. With spring being nature’s equivalent of a new beginning, similarly this time of year we as students starts to orientate ourselves to the prospects of what a new academic year in 2015 could possibly hold. This time of year necessitates that we make choice - life choices. Decisions need to be made; placements require confirmation and some opportunities need to be declined.

Just when you think you have sorted out all possible variables, comparing your options and weighing the various opportunities, doubt and the inevitable devil of the indecisiveness tendency sets in. Similarly as in nature, just when you think spring has sprung, a cold front sets in. We can anticipate and work out relevant contingency plans, yet there is no guarantees. I think the most frustrating and freighting part of being in a space of indecisiveness is perhaps that one is not granted the liberty of indefinitely extending the process of decision making, hence the subsequent associated feeling of being overwhelmed. This is one is acutely aware that of the miserable reality that all opportunities come with a definite expiration date.

Forgoing the prerogative of making a definite decision unfortunately comes with the side effect of effectively placing everything in your life on hold. Yet in order to thrive, things cannot be placed on hold indefinitely - choices need to be made as this process encompasses the essence of living life.

Fortunately for me I also know that forgoing one opportunity due to the provisional obstacle of indecisiveness does not necessarily mean you forgo all available opportunities. Opportunities are infinite, always. Thus, instead you merely ferment a longer, richer and more concrete decision making process. Making decisions require reflection; moreover making life choices necessitates complete introspection. That said I am also cognizant of the fact that no amount of comparing and weighing future variables could ever substitute or replace the act of making a decision. In retrospect I know that the best choices I’ve made in the past consequently originated from pure and conscious reflection and full introspection – essentially aligning feeling with perceived desires as to finally arrive at the serene and tranquil space of knowing. This process is never similar yet the outcome by no means differs – assuredness; being OK –feeling ready at your core being. Facing life head on. Only once you feel secure enough in leading your own life, by taking ownership of the decision making process, can you start to contribute to leading others.

The recent academic period has been somewhat taxing with several deadlines. Since we got back from the States I suspect that each one of our own lives as team memberswere immediately succumbed by diary entry upon entry. I can only speak for myself, but I am looking forward for some reflection time to totally absorb the rich experience I had the past June/ July. Apart from the personal growth it still surprises me how many of the less significant hallmarks of our time in the USA consistently forces me reminisce. A few weeks ago there was an article in Time Magazine (4 August) regarding the cable industry in the USA and its future. The article made several reference to one of the ‘most powerful men’ in the industry, FCC Chairman, Tom Wheeler. Upon reading this article I suddenly remembered I was at his home in DC, (not to mention the special session with Congressman Clyburn)! This really re-affirmed to the tremendous exposure afforded to us by SAWIP. Furthermore, now every time that I see media coverage from the White House press room I think to myself, was I really in that small room with the most recognisable person in the world?! It these small daily reminders like when I wear my United Nations Shirt and people ask “When were you there?” and it immediately forces me to reflect on my time in the USA. My new craze for Chai Latte. I never used to drink Latte’s, much less Chai Latte. This is a direct result of the Starbucks effect and in particular the Oprah Chai Special. Things were never the same again. Every sip is accompanied by a brief reminder of DC. Although these personal and peculiar reminders of the USA might sound small and insignificant, they are to me, amongst others, consistent reminders to express my gratitude for the blessing which was and is SAWIP.

Don’t get me wrong. I love this country and more specifically its people. That being said, I cannot pretend all is well. As of late Stellenbosch has been victim to an upsurge of crime. Over this past weekend one of the student houses, of which my current housing forms part of, were victims of not only burglary but also rape. According to the latest Stellenbosch Municipality report, over 5600 incidents of burglary and theft have occurred in past year alone in. The stereotype that our university is a bubble and more so the accusation that our students our insulated from the grim realities facing our country is a gross misperception. All is not well.

The recently released report by former Constitutional Court justice Kate O’Regan and advocate Vusi Pikoli regarding safety and policing in Khayelitsha reveals an even bleaker pictures. Their findings corroborates the brutal realities endured by our fellow citizens whom reside within informal settlements. Amongst the numerous findings, 60 to 70 percent of correspondents said that they felt threatened most the time, even during the day!

In comparison, living in Stellenbosch we have undeniable privileges such a supposedly ‘secure’ environment, but as of late event this status has come under threat. Being the pragmatic person that I am, I am cognisant of the fact that in relation to other parts of South Africa, Stellenbosch is still within a much safer environment. That’s only by comparison, i.e. crime is even worst in other parts. Crime anywhere is unacceptable. We as South Africans should feel safe all time, regardless of where we live. Concurrently I know my duty and purposes is to contribute towards making South Africa the great country which it can and should be. Our sacred Constitution guarantees our right to safety. Now we need to make it a reality. Maybe a staring point could be a new United Front for a safer South Africa.

Too often we are so fixed on the current grim realities. It is not hard to understand why. Every day we are inundated with news casts of the continued political tensions in the Middle East, sluggish economic growth, ebola in West Africa, racial tensions the United States, the South African Parliament turned playground by a so called new red force; commission of inquiry upon inquiry etc. This excludes the more miserable aspects that fail to make the media headlines: continued poverty, abuse, crime, terror…..the list goes on.

Saying that we are living in interesting times is a gross understatement for everything seems influx; uncertainty is the only definite, this while leadership seems vacant or at best hidden from the public discourse. It becomes understandable why one would be circumspect of celebrating life given the current realities.

There have been numerous reasons in the past for delaying celebrations: multiple wars, independence struggles, disease etc. The fact is life have always been marked by various obstacles and atrocities’ (and sadly will always be), yet this does not mean that all that is beautiful and good have been removed from our planet. Definitely not. The magnificence of life is ever present and you and I are testament of this fact. For while we endure our own difficulties and minor obstacles on a daily basis, we still have choice to recognise the goodness of life. From the smile of strangers passing us by, open blue skies, cleansing rain, the gift of music…..

If we want to be the ones that contributes towards the desperately needed solutions in our world, lest we be succumbed by all the negativity, keeping our cool is a definite requirement. To avoid falling into this trap we will need to recharge and the best way to achieve this is through recognising life’s simplistic beauty. It is something that is ever present (hence also easy to miss) and accessible to all, it is merely a choice. I am opting to take a different stance, I am opting to find more causes for celebration.

Our public discourse has shifted and moved from the celebratory tones of April, touched on the election madness in May, remembered the youth in June, July seemed to have passed us all by, and now in August we are focused on the plight and triumphs of women in our society. Our discourse shifts according to themes, but I am of the opinion that we cannot wait until December for a brief reflection on reconciliation.

During a recent interview I was asked what my stance is on the “#blacface” incidence (the two UP students dressed up as domestic workers). Being in interview one needs to respond promptly and devoid of the luxury for sufficient time for reflection. To be honest the first time I saw the picture on News24 I really did not have an “official” stance on this incidence other than disappointment. Disappointment that 20 years on we still ‘other’ one another. The media coverage also did not contribute towards remedying the situation. When I voiced this in the interview and elaborated that I am not in a position to say what the two students did was right or wrong, the three people in the panel looked at my in utter disbelief. How could I dare not unequivocally state that it was wrong!?

Let me make this clear: it goes without saying that this incidence was wrong, but even more so, and the point I wanted to stress in the interview (and subsequently did) was that what is even more concerning and wrong, is the fact we still allow social settings that continues to create a new generation of South Africans that still perceive black people as different and even worst subservient.

My major concern is that by merely condoning the two students (and what they did) will not change the immediate situation and certainly won’t contribute towards reconciliation. It won’t surprise me if one had to confront these two students that they themselves would not be able to grasp how what they did (supposedly for innocent student fun) could be regarded as an offensive act. That’s the problem with an engrained mind-set; people harbour stereotypes of those they perceive to be different from themselves and the unfortunate (and frustrating) part for us as devout nation builders is that these individuals unknowingly foster the process of ‘othering’. We need a different strategy. Perhaps a potential starting point could be to question and dissect the environment and influences that continues to shape and (mis)inform the outlook of these students (and South Africans in general) who still have gross misperceptions of one another.

This following exert from an article by Steven Friedman and is definitely applicable:

SA should try reconciliation for real this time, BDay 30 July 2014

If we see it (reconciliation) as a process that recognises that we are divided but also works towards a day in which one group will not dominate another and the divisions are manageable enough to ensure that we can talk to and, more important, listen to each other, it can take us forward. Without it, there will always be strict limits on what we can achieve.

Part of the objective for this blog is also to allow me to share some of my personal day to day experiences. I therefore decided to use 7 August 2014, a sun-soaked-beautiful-winters day as a sample portrayal of my daily life. A day like any other where I was confronted with lives unexpected events and the accompanied feelings and difficulty of having to determine anew what is required of me to move forward. This blog does not intend to ponder on current affairs (or meant to be profound) but rather just reflects on me negating incremental (and at times profound) change on an average ‘normal’ day.

They say obstacles transpires in three fold, and after the day I had experienced, I can confirm that this is definitely true. As I set out, with all seriousness to start to work on my honours research assignment (that’s due within less than 22 days!) my PC all of a sudden decided that today is day it will use to deny me access to my own Windows profile. Moving on. After a long line at IT and a few hours later (not to mention the costs related!) my PC was fixed. Obstacle one: time and money lost, but the obstacle was at least rectified and in my eventual control.

Moving on to obstacle number two. So while I stood in line at the IT department I finally received a long awaited email that would determine my options for 2015. The information conveyed was unfortunately not what I had hoped for. Obstacle two: initial disappointment and disbelief, this ‘small’ and sudden change of route for 2015 is acknowledged and if for nothing else, at least without any resentment.

The third ‘obstacle’ of the day refers to my ability (and no option provided) to adapt towards change that is definite, absolute and beyond my intervention, a change in familial relations forever. Forming part of a loving extended family I am in the fortunate position to also share in the times of joy when we as a collective celebrate. But unfortunately I also share in the times of pain when we as a family mourn loss of a fellow beloved family member. On this very same day filled with trivial and mundane events, news broke that my only remaining grandmother had passed away….......‘Obstacle’ three: we can manage many a thing as human beings, yet our ability to ‘manage’ everything that transpire in our daily lives is a fallacy. Some change that transpire has some clear and definite limits that does not allow for control; death being one of them.

An average day. That’s what I intended the 7^th of August to be. A day set aside for me to focus on my own immediate obligations. Yet this was not to be. On the contrary, I was forced to consistently adapt and the more I tried to focus on the task at hand, the more I was distracted and disrupted by other events. Some in my control, others not. As much as I planned for this day, and by extension for my future, things change – life change. Day to day, this is where life is made, us as normal human beings negating change and striving (hopefully) ever forward. In the end that is all we can do. Moving with change, every minute, every hour…..every day.

One of the biggest tasks for a modern leader is the ability to grasp the position and circumstance of others. This essentially means the ability to discover and develop mentalities that are not uniform, but rather to try and understand each other and our differences sufficiently so that ultimately some degree of compatibility becomes possible or at least discussable.

This is but one aspect required from leaders that not only wish to operate in a plural society where not just confronted with difference on international front but increasingly also at a domestically level. Therefore the contemporary requirement of any modern leader would be to have the ability to properly engage within this plural world by developing the capacity to put themselves into the minds of others as a first attempt to try and see why different people might be inclined to act in the various ways that they do. Thus if we want to achieve a more cosmopolitan reality were we gradually expand our understanding of the differences amongst people, the first port of entry would naturally be to reach across the divide and start engaging. Nothing can ever substitute for the act of honest and equal dialogue. It is only through conversations and continues engagement that we will be able foster the required capacity to not only hear stories that differ from our lived reality but more importantly gain the necessary understanding to appreciate difference. Once we consciously can embark on this journey perhaps then we would see more conducive engagement from our global leaders and not the polarization of difference dominating current news headlines.

After a fulfilling journey abroad I am back in SA more humbled than the person I was before I left for the States. The time away from my comfort zone have been anything but plain sailing; apart from fatigue and occasional stress, just when you thought you had some sense of control, schedules changed etc. – essentially being consistently forced to adapt. One of the most valuable gifts of the DC component (apart from the new relations formed) has definitely been my improved ability to adapt to change while still thriving. This as the program intentionally (and at times unintentionally) set out to consistently ensure that we do not settle into new temporary comfort zones. A valuable skill indeed as the only certainty we as leaders have is the certainty of uncertainty.

I am still in the midst of the process of unpacking all the new knowledge gained and it will be interesting to find out when upon continued reflection of my time in DC what stands as the ultimate lessons gained. For now at least I am more than certain of my unique and pertinent role to realise the country of our dreams. The road ahead may be long and filled with many up hills; but if anything I now know that it is definitely possible to realise a better South Africa for each and every one.

As our final week in DC draws to a close, my feelings are a mixture of full gratitude, partly overwhelmed, a sense of fulfillment and excited to go back home to my loved ones. These various experiences (the good and challenging) has left me richer in spirit and bestowed in me new knowledge which I can definitely utilize back home. In hindsight, when I reflect on what I had initially imagined what this experience would be like, the experience I have had thus far definitely more than met my expectations.

As to remain on par with my goal of learning as much as I can, what has made a major difference to me (and ensuring that I get the most out of this experience) was the fact that I have opted to consciously monitor my attitude. By taking on an attitude of ‘everything has meaning’, I have tried to ensure that my mind-set remained open as to soak in as much as possible while simultaneously limiting any form of judgment and/ or frustration. This has definitely not been easy. Being consistently pushed (getting around the city; being on time and prepared, meeting new people, the ever present heat and not to mention the limited time for rest) have proven to me that I am definitely more than capable of handling change. If anything, this experience has shown me that I am able to adapt while still having the ability to thrive – an invaluable affirmation.

Wrapping up my last few days in the city I shall strive to use my remaining time to pack up the warm hearted hospitality extended to me. As I prepare myself to go back to the land of diversity I reflect on the countless new bonds formed and the kindness with which I have been treated. I leave content knowing I fully utilized this opportunity. The States have left me in a ‘state’ of fulfillment and joy. I am a more humbled and confident man than what I arrived as 5 weeks ago. Embarking on my way home I depart with even more appreciation for South Africa and feel enthusiastic to contribute towards building a better society.

Having spent a wonderful weekend with my brother and his family for the 4^th of July celebration I opted to take the Monday morning train back from Baltimore. As I got seated in the train I would have never guessed that my morning would start with such a beautiful encounter.

Sharing seats next to me where two women, both making their way towards Washington. The one advised me to put my bags closer the door as to not take space (and avoid being disciplined by the train conductor), while the other offered to swap her seat with me so that I could keep a vigilant eye on my belongings. She then asked where I was from (clearly sensing that I do not use the train on a daily basis). I briefly introduced myself and then proceeded to read the newspaper. Next thing the two women, now seated opposite one another and having only met one another on the train, started talking and there was an instant connection between the two.

When their conversation touched on US politics I briefly intercepted but that was it. Somehow I knew that I had to keep my engagement on the minimal side. The one woman works in DC and takes the train everyday; the other woman was on her way to the city to take care of some family related issues and clearly in distress. Yet the conversation that followed between the two women was nothing short of an “a-ha” moment. As the DC woman enquired the reasons for the other woman’s visit to the city, she in the process re-affirmed the other woman’s value foremost as a person and secondly as a woman. Yet what mostly stood out for me was the way in which she delivered her caring words of motivation; with the utmost passion and vigor - so much so that even I was move!

Needless to say their conversation ended with me hugging them and the three of us acknowledging what a special moment it has been for all of us (although I was mostly just an observer). The detail of their discussion is irrelevant for this blog, what is important is the way in which these two total strangers were able to engage and reaffirm one another’s humanity and in the process elevate and secure their mutual sense of worth.

This brief heartfelt on-the-go counseling session was such a serendipitous moment for me as I received renewed evidence of the ever present beauty that is always around. The fact that I was over observant, being a foreigner, allowed me the opportunity to witness this simplistic beautiful encounter as it happened. Sometimes traveling abroad is not so much about learning but also about affirmation. This encounter unequivocally affirmed to me the goodness that is possible for our world. If these two strangers could spark a light of hope between one another using merely their kind words and total compassion it is clearly indicative that we as humans are capable of bringing about the positive change our world so desperately needs. Having been witness to this authentic encounter definitely stands as a turning point of my DC experience. South Africa needs more ‘beautiful encounters’.

This week we have surpassed our half way mark of the DC journey for 2014. This hallmark requires first and foremost conscious reflection as to determine our own personal progress and assessing our experience thus far. This is not only necessary in order to optimize this valuable experience but crucially also to ensure that we either stay on course or adapt as to get the most of the remaining time. It was no surprise that the first few days were mostly about soaking in the environment and trying to find our feet among the consistent movement of this wonderful albeit extremely humid city. Now that I am more comfortable with my new surroundings (particularly getting around on the public transport) I am starting to sense and observe all the minuscule differences between the USA and SA. On a surface level one could say that there are more similarities (people, food entertainment etc), but it is in the small things, that which you do not initially notice that one starts to see the difference and hence reminisce for that which you are used to. This made me wonder how other Africans that come to South Africa in search of a better life experience our country. Do they also feel a bit out of place? Fearful? Discouraged? Once again one could say that one a macro level the differences our not that significant, but it is with the small things (signs, contextual language etc) that the ‘differences’ becomes ever more omnipresent. Yes we are a more globalised world and yes we are more interconnected, yet this does not replace our longing for understanding or our desire for expressing ourselves in forms that do not require consistent explanation or consent from others. This becomes particularly evident when the initial excitement of new uncharted territory and exclusion of all the accompanied difference surpasses and the attention shifts to the small things that are different and essentially lacking (one can even making a link to the post 1994 and so called post ‘honeymoon’ phase in South Africa). In this situation it can become very easy to be unmotivated, depressed, anxious and initiating an intense longing for the familiar. Yet this phase is the biggest learning curve and obstacle of the entire journey and therefore being able to manage with this change and still thrive is when most of the ‘production’ of growth takes shape. Going through this experience of being in DC is invaluable for the molding of leaders as leadership demands being able to feel comfortable despite being in a new ‘uncomfortable’ environment, i.e. being able to still perform and lead at an optimum level even though everything feels out of place. Ultimately leaders are required to consistently enter unknown territory and once there not only lead others but crucially themselves as well. For me dealing with the emotions of feeling out of place and longing for the familiar, has meant opting to search for inner peace as to rather feel comfortable from within and in so doing lessening the desire to be in familiar spaces. This process thus far has allowed me to not only grow professionally but more importantly also emotionally and thus allowing me to appreciate the time here to the utmost.

Rushing from one event to another, balancing demanding schedules, coping with a new environment and maintaining enough scope for learning are all aspects of managing this ‘life influencing’ experience. Meeting new people on a daily basis and making sure that all interactions are valuable and authentic can be somewhat taxing in terms of energy and concentration. Today during my lunch break at C-SPAN for the first time I ventured out on my own just to explore the nearby surroundings and soak in some of the city feel. This brief moment on my own made me cognizant once more as to the fortunate position I am in as to first and foremost being able to be here, gaining exposure and experience and most importantly growing.

Being consistently surrounded by so many possibilities, while knowing you have a time limit in which to pursue them, it becomes increasingly difficult to confidently know which opportunities to further pursue and which to let go. For me this has meant redefining what exactly it is I am in pursuit of regardless of what others might think or expect.

The paradox of being offered numerous opportunities is that the appearances can be deceiving and the opportunities which you initially perceived as non-related opportunity ventures might possibly turn-out to be definite opportunity treasures. Thus it becomes pertinent to rather treat each ‘event’ as possible opportunities for growth as appose to the alternative attitude of consistently being on the lookout for direct opportunity related ‘events’. Both are essentially time and energy consuming, but the benefit of treating each already planned event as the next ‘big’ opportunity ensures that opportunities presented to you in your presences do not pass you by. For the remainder of my stay in DC I shall strive for optimizing the planned events instead of feeling rushed (and stressed) to consistently search for opportunities that are not in my immediate environment. Essentially I want to be here. Now.

Arriving on Monday morning, here I am in DC recovering from the exhaustion of the long flight, this being my second visit to the states, I was not as AW struck as the first time around. However I don't think one can overstate the vast structural difference between the USA and SA. Everything on this side of the world is bigger, faster and more, much more (there's a Starbucks on every corner, or so it seems). As I am originally from a farm in rural South Africa, the experience of being in bustling city such as DC stands in total contrast. Feeling a bit out of my depth and comfort zone, I know this feeling is a prelude for the fact that for the next few weeks I am going to learn so much, not just of other people I'm meeting but importantly also of myself. Feeling somewhat fearful upon my arrival, I have to extend a word of gratitude for all those that immediately made me feel at home, especially my warm host family (Priscilla) and the friendly people at C-SPAN. Looking forward to assessing my progress at the end of this life changing journey.

I have come to realise that it’s of no use worrying about all that is not in place around us as we will always find ample examples to justify our negative outlook. The time has come to also recognize that despite all the ever present headlines and undeniable harsh realities; enough good still co-exists. Therefore instead of just focusing on all that is not perfect, we should all opt to shift our attention to where progress has been made thus far. It is only through acknowledging all the good in the world that we will be able to cultivate a preference for optimism and start to live and experience the art of optimism. As the exams draw to a close and I realised that the D.C component of SAWIP is actually happening, I was initially succumbed by a brief moment of anxiety, after which a more fitting feeling set in – that of being optimistic and enabling me to express my utmost gratitude for my current reality. I am extremely thankful for all the amazing people in my life and all the great opportunities that I have been able to pursue thus far. Now I am on my way to the States feeling thankful and optimistic. Excited.

This blog is inspired by the Who Rules South Africa, edited by Plaut, M. & Holden, P., (2012), page 356.

"South African should be optimistic about their future, for unlike much of the rest of Africa, the country has a powerful, well-developed civil society. It has newspapers that were founded more than 150 years ago. It has a union movement whose roots can be traced back further than the ANC itself, and a legal system that has largely proved itself to be dignified corrective to non-delivery and the less salubrious authoritarian streaks of those in power. It has the finest universities in Africa, producing graduates who are equal to any in the world. And after centuries of colonialism and decades of apartheid, South African citizens have developed a seemingly inexhaustible but vital resource: the will to fight for rights, to question authority and to shape their own destinies.

South Africa remains a complex and contradictory society. It is a ‘glass half full, glass half empty society’ that cannot be easily encapsulated. There is much that is positive, including the many black businessmen and women who have built new enterprises from scratch and owe nothing to the largesse of the state. There are the selfless civil servants who go about their daily business with nothing but the good for their community at heart. The success of the 2010 World Cup showed South Africa in its best light and revealed what it could, if all things went well, eventually become: an efficient, functional and fraternal country that exceeds expectations and serves as a beacon of success and good governance in a continent where such examples are sorely lacking".

Although much more complex than encapsulated by this exert, it does however provide a balanced overview of South Africa. As South Africans I think we can at times be to critical of ourselves and our journey thus far. That said, much more can and should still be done in order to ensure that all citizenry have access to opportunities and are able to live free of poverty.

Gen. George W. Casey Jr., previous Commanding General and Army Chief of Staff of the multinational force in Iraq, note that: ‘leaders possess only so much intellectual and emotional energy. We must expend that energy in the areas that produce the highest payoff.’ This advice is particularly relevant during the current examination period and also as the first semester of 2014 draws to a close. We are all only allotted a specific amount of time (and crucially finite energy) hence we are all faced with the predicament of choosing where to place our personal resources as to extract the most of any given moment.

In my opinion, time management and balancing the limited resources at your disposal, stand as the foundational building blocks of effective leadership. This can be particularly difficult especially when faced with multiple demanding situations. Therefore, it becomes pertinent to know where you can make the required ‘mini-sacrifices’ as to ensure that you still allocate your personal resources where you’re specific contribution will render the most sufficient return. Moreover, knowing when it is worth the added effort to push through and when to let go, can become the single most determining factor for success not only in life but also in leadership. This requires self-knowledge, but more importantly assuredness in yourself and essentially having a vision beyond the short term. This becomes easier to grasp the moment you approach exams and any other ‘stress/ time crunching’ related experiences as merely slightly ‘painful’ validation that you are not stagnating at one stage, but instead hallmarks affirming that you are well on your on the journey of continues growth.

Various interpretations of leadership exists, yet fundamentally the most pertinent determining factor remains the ability to ‘lead’ first yourself, then where possible others. Leadership according to former US President, Bill Clinton means to bring people together in pursuit of a common cause, developing a plan to achieve it, and staying with it until the goal is achieved. It also requires the ability to carry out those tasks and to respond to unforeseen problems and opportunities when they arise. Moreover, having the courage to make hard decisions and the confidence to stay with it and explain it, while also still having the common sense to listen to others and involve them. You have to be able to trust others, and trust your instincts as well as your intellect. Clinton goes on to note that even those who lead the way don’t always have all the answers. From all the advice offered by this esteemed former statesman, this definitely stands out, and affirms that even leaders at times require the co-operation and assistance of other leaders. This is particularly valuable given the current steadfastness displayed by some global leaders and the lack of international co-operation to address issues faced by all irrespective of their position on the planet. For me the at least, the success of any future leader will not be determined by their willingness walk the road alone, but rather by their willingness to work with others to enable an effective solution for all.