A couple of days ago I had the honour and privilege to attend a speech delivered by one of the most inspiring and strongest women in the world, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Her speech was about a call on African Countries, particularly South Africa, to stand up and take lead in global issues. She mentioned that in order for that to happen, African nations must develop strong institutions and partnerships and not strong man.

As South Africans, we did not only grow up in democracy, we grew up with democracy. Therefore, we, especially young people, need to build on Madiba’s legacy and take responsibility for our problems and provide assistance to other countries in need. There are African countries that require our assistance such as Egypt and South Sudan who are new democracies, because we as South Africans did not achieve our democracy alone, we did so with the assistance of other countries and therefore, we should not only become receivers of assistance but also givers of it.

As a country, we realised that human rights start in the smallest places close to home; we founded our new democracy on the values of freedom, human dignity and equality. We can use the values that shape us as a country to help shape other countries. One of the things that really touched me about the speech is when she said “African countries need to break down the barriers with their neighbours because when countries open their doors, everyone benefits”. This is so true in a sense that African countries have so much to offer, not only to each other but to the world as a whole and that the world is developing at such a fast rate in all sense of the word and eventually we are all going to rely on each other to survive when all the barriers are broken.

I admired the passion and knowledge she had about our country, she mentioned that she often heard of the notion of “African problems need African solutions” and she believes that the time has come where global problems also need African solutions. As South Africans, we have an obligation to be a constructive force in the global arena and this is an obligation we owe to ourselves as a country. The world requires South Africa to contribute much because South Africa has achieved much. What makes me proud of being a South African is that as a country when we were in the most terrible conditions, we saw all as human beings and treated each other with dignity. We once reminded the world that the way forward is not revenge, violence and hatred but truth and reconciliation. Nelson Mandela once said “When I left Roben Island, I knew I had two choices, I could reconcile the feelings inside me with my fellow human beings or I can carry the anger and hared towards them and still be in prison”. We are a great example in the world of what forgiveness and reconciliation is all about, with the current conflict between nations in this world, I believe we can indeed play an instrumental role in restoring peace and order in those countries.

All countries have their own problems, in South Africa, only South Africa can fight corruption, prevent use of government institutes for political gain, only we can build from Madiba’s legacy. No country’s influence or interference on another is a right, but when a country violates the right of its people, violates the values of freedom and democracy of its own people, the global community must unite to ensure and restore democracy and freedom in that country, and I believe that South Africa can play a role in these issues from a global scale.

The speech made me think of how much potential and capacity of influence we have to make change in the world, but sadly we have a lot of problems of our own, and at home I have been taught that charity begins at home, until you can help yourself, you won`t be able to help others. South Africa has a lot of problems of its own and although we have values such as equality entrenched in our constitution, we remain one of the most unequal societies in the world, this is a sad but a true fact. Martin Luther King once said “democracy transferred from thin paper to thick action is the greatest form of democracy on earth”. The call is on us, young blood of this nation to break racial and social barriers within ourselves in order to make the country a better one and one that can play a crucial role in development at international level.

2011-2015 SELF-DVELOPMENT PLAN

This is my self-development plan, it includes a five year development plan which commences in 2011 and ends in 2015. The self development plan helps me keep track of my development as a person. It also helps me to set realistic goals for myself of which I aim to achieve within five years. So far I have stuck to my plan and my progress has been great. This plan has section A and B. Section A consists of my goals and vision for the next 4 years and section B consists of my long term goals. I would recommend this plan to any one, it helps one to monitor their progress.

VISSION:

As a first year student at University, I was unfamiliar with the university surroundings and the way in which things were done. I was also unaware of the load and intensity of the work I was going to be introduced to at University. As a result I had cold feet, and sett low standards for myself because I did not want to aim high unaware of what the varsity holds in store for me. My vision for the year 2011 was to see myself passing all my modules at the end of the year and as to how I passed them was irrelevant. I told myself that getting an A at the end of the Semester or year in any module would be a bonus. However, at the end of the first semester I was now familiar to my surroundings and the procedure of our law faculty.

My results at the end of the first semester reflected that I had the potential to do better because I was able to grasp the concepts and I was enjoying my studies. I then decided to go back to the drawing board to amend my vision for 2011. I wanted to dream bigger because I proved to myself during the first semester that I could do better. I increased the scale of my vision not only to passing all my modules but to get a B aggregate overall. I also started applying for bursaries because I knew I could produce worthy academic results at the end of the year. Ultimately, Allan Gray came along and encouraged me to apply, which I found very interesting because in my head I was telling myself that “should it not be me who is begging Allan Gray to apply for their fellowship instead of them asking me to apply” I found this very strange in a motivating way. Hence my vision for 2011 was to excel academically and see myself as a bursary holder. I also wanted to be part of the Dean’s merit list.

MISSION STATEMENT:

My mission for the year 2011 was to be strictly academic and not to participate in any extra mural activities or societies in University as I thought they would distract me and take away my time. I wanted to prove a point to myself because in High School I was amongst the top achievers and I wanted o do the same at Varsity level. I told myself to never settle for less then I can achieve, I wanted to take the maximum that life had to offer and not the minimum. Basically, I wanted to strive to be the best academically.

FIVE YEAR PLAN (IN 2011)

Section B coming next......

June 16 1976 is one of the most important days in South African history; it has played a crucial role in shaping South Africa to be what it is today. The events that took place on this day resulted in us being one of the most respected countries in the world we are now able to stand up and be counted in the world as a respectful country.

This day has taught me to be very appreciative of the opportunities that are available in South Africa because a lot has been sacrificed in order to avail these opportunities to us as the South African youth. Young people put their lives on the line to ensure a better, brighter and fruitful future for the future generations of South Africa. Most importantly, this day serves to demonstrate the power that young people have and the amount of change they can make in the world when they work together, hand in hand towards a common goal. These young people were courageous enough to stand against an injustice education system of the Apartheid era, they voiced out how they felt about the challenges they faced as young people of South Africa and were willing to die for a better future not only for themselves but for future generations to come.

Today as the youth of South Africa we are faced with our own challenges, different from that of the youth of 1976 but these challenges require the same attitude and courage to overcome and I believe that we can learn from this day (June 16) because the wise often say “he who does not learn from history is bound to repeat its mistakes. I get very disturbed when we as the young people of South Africa fail to utilise these opportunities as we should. Instead we engage in drug and alcohol abuse none building activities and habits. Our young girls are getting pregnant and drop out of schools. They lose their future that was fought so hard to provide. We throw parties and engage in substance abuse to celebrate this historic day, which gets me thinking whether we truly understand what youth day is.

I recently attended church in the United States; the message of the day was about treasures. The pastor was preaching about how we as young people often take certain things for granted and as a result of that we fail to realise the treasures that we have on our hands, we often refuse to take advice from older and more experienced individuals because we are under the impression that we know it all. This notion of “we know everything” fools us and blind us in seeing the treasures we have on our hands. He was preaching about how regretful he was of not listening when he was younger and as a result he failed to realise the treasure that he had in his hands. The message I received from the pastor`s message was that in respecting and helping others realise their treasures, we get to realise our own treasures. We as the young people of South Africa have treasures in our hands, we just need to wake up and realise just how precious these treasures are. I refer to these treasures as opportunities; after all, South Africa is not referred to as the ‘Land of opportunities for nothing’.

Looking at our current challenges and state as South African youth, it gets me in deep thoughts. I find myself wondering what the likes of Hector Petersons would say about the current situation of our youth and the way in which we celebrate the youth day if, hypothetically speaking, they would return from the dead. In my views, I think they would feel like they put their lives on the line for a useless vision. I personally think that as young South Africans we need to realise the meaning of our history and heritage, we need to reflect and ask ourselves what our priorities are. To the young South Africans trapped in between the walls of “I can`t do it”, you better get out now and start realising that the world owes you nothing, your treasure is in your hands. If you want something in life, you go grab it no matter how difficult it is because no on will give it to you. Nothing comes easy in life; it all requires dedication, courage, hard work and belief. We as the youth need to be active citizens and make our country a better place to live in for all. A lot has been done for us, its now time for us to do things for ourselves. We have looked up to our government for far too long, we ought to take the initiative to make a difference, and after all, this is our South Africa.

The task of boosting our economy, creating employment and overcoming poverty is our task as the present generation of the Republic of South Africa. Nelson Mandela once said “overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man made and can be overcome and eradicated by actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. You can be that great generation let your greatness blossom”.

I believe we are that great generation, and this task has fallen on us, let our greatness blossom.

The essence of a successful nation is its ability to evolve over time while still maintaining its history and personality. To do so, a country requires strong leadership and visionary guidance. That said, I come to think of the late Walter Sisulu, Steve Biko, Chris Hani and the honourable Tata uMandela, leaders who fought for the freedom of this nation and gave us our history, character and identity. The above mentioned individuals and many others have made South Africa a symbol of unity, resilience, Ubuntu and success. They laid the foundation for our democracy so as to ensure that everyone in South Africa is treated equally and is exposed to the same opportunities.

It has been eighteen years of democracy in South Africa and these eighteen years has brought about a greater good. We have managed to put the past behind us as South Africans and gelled in unity, looked past each others skin colour and religious back grounds. Our constitution is one of the best in the world and we are one of the first countries in the world to legalise Gay marriages. We recently successfully hosted arguably the greatest soccer world cup in the history of the tournament, and that alone speaks volumes about the potential that this beautiful nation has.

However, on the other side we are still facing a lot of problems. Although we have achieved a lot in only eighteen years of democracy, we have also lost a lot in the same eighteen years in the sense that democracy and freedom to others is just a word with no meaning. We recently celebrated our eighteenth freedom day as a Nation and it brings great joy and memories to many South Africans who were directly and indirectly involved in the fight for our freedom and those who are currently benefiting from it. However, as a young South African I fail to get myself to join in the celebration of our freedom. As much as I appreciate it and embrace it, I fail to celebrate it because sometimes when I look around me, I fail to identify myself with any freedom. What I often see around me is an on going struggle and a fight for freedom that no one is willing to fight to achieve anymore as we are all under the impression that we have got it all. I refuse to join in the celebration of a freedom that benefits an elite few and leave the rest of ordinary South Africans out in the cold. How do I celebrate this freedom when there are millions of South Africans who have never experienced it? Truth be told, there are millions of South Africans who are and who will leave this world not knowing what freedom is. Do not get me wrong, I am not an ungrateful person, but a concerned South African trying to voice out his views on the slowly vanishing of an identity of a nation.

In South Africa, there are millions of families who are still leaving in informal settlements made of recycled material (shacks) of a size as small as an office space. Millions of parents who cry themselves to sleep every night because they have once again failed to put food on the table for their little ones, so as to have something in their little tummies before they go to bed. When I travel around Cape Town I come across young children, standing alongside busy roads begging for money so as to have something to eat, some of these children are used by their own parents to perform these deeds. I think to myself, how many of these kids are doing the same thing around South Africa? These are young people who should be leading this country in the future, to be amongst the greatest in the world and carry on the revolution of our past leaders.

How can I celebrate my freedom freely, when there are primary school kids who walk for hours bare feet with no shoes on dusty roads just to have access to schools and health facilities? Because of the effort that these kids make to attend schools, one might get the idea that I am talking about well established schools with libraries and sports fields etc. No! the schools that these kids spend hours walking to go to are schools with few desks, some with no electricity and inadequate learning material. These same kids who walk hours to attend these schools sit on the floor during lessons because there are not enough chairs and desks in their class rooms. To me these kids have no freedom because I know how it feels to be in their shoes as I was once one of them. Ofcourse, I was lucky enough to survive these circumstances, but not everyone will be as lucky as I was. We are often quick to judge people for being unable to make something of their lives because of their disadvantaged back grounds, and thus reverting to crime and corruption to succeed, but do we really know what their had to go through? I am not encouraging crime, but pleading to all South Africans to stand up and fight for freedom that will enable everyone to live a reasonable life.

How do I truly say I live in a country with freedom and equal opportunities? These to me, are people still fighting for their freedom. One might argue that everyone is free to become what and whoever they want to be, one is free to go to any school of their choice and unlike in the past, one is free to stay wherever and have access to health facilities. But how do you achieve all these things with no means? I am not asking for a nation where everything is handed over in a silver platter, but I am begging for a South Africa where everyone is empowered to make means of the opportunities available to them so they can be able to realise their own freedom.

Another issue that I would like to raise is that South Africa is slowly losing its identity. We used to be a nation where neighbours used to care for each other and assisted each other In their daily challenges, a South Africa where a parent regarded every child as their own, took care of their neighbours children the same way they took care of theirs. The South Africa that I am talking about had Ubuntu, which means ‘I am because we are and since we are, therefore I am’. The spirit of Ubuntu is what makes this country unique and it is great concerns for me to witness it vanish right in front of me. Without Ubuntu, what will we be left with?

To indicate how we are slowly losing Ubuntu, I am going to refer to this current issue about the controversial painting depicting President Zuma`s private parts that has been on everyone`s lips recently. It has been broadcast on every Television channel and has made front page in almost every news paper. The African National Congress (ANC), which is the ruling party in South Africa has backed up the President and instituted legal proceedings together with the President, to have the artwork removed from the Gallery. Many South Africans stand fully behind president Zuma in his case, they have been protesting and marching to have the artwork removed.

However, not so long ago a seventeen year old mentally challenged girl was gang raped and the video went viral, no one marched. An eight year old girl was raped by a fifteen year old boy and her eyes gouged out, no one marched. Many schools in the provinces of South Africa are without school text books and it is almost the end of the first half of their academic year but yet, no one marches and no one is protesting. Our country has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, no one marches. Our democracy is degrading, but no one marches, however the country goes hysterical over a painting. We threaten lawsuits, protests and violent reprisals. Where are our priorities as a nation? I am not protesting that the painting of our President is right, in my opinion it is totally wrong to depict a picture of such a nature of any person, whether a president or just an ordinary citizens.

The point I'm trying to bring across is that we have now proven beyond doubt that our collective mentality doesn't rise above the waist! We are slowly losing the spirit of Ubuntu in South Africa; we are beginning to treat atrocities as normal. No one is willing to take a stand against the wrong that is currently happening in this country, unless of course it has a direct affect on them. Take the Jacob Zuma saga for an example, he wants to sue for his right to human dignity buy yet there are people who still leave in dehumanising circumstances in South Africa, while he as the President of the Republic is failing to do something about it, what about their human dignity? Is it not violated when they eat food from the dirt bins? It is sad to witness the state that South Africa is currently in, it is becoming evident that some individuals are superior to others and equality is only used theoretically.

South Africans, lets stand together as one and fight for the identity of our nation. The English say that “charity begins at home” and yet again I state, our collective mentality lacks the charity that should begin in our South Africa because we fail to stand together, collectively and protest against issues that devalue and differentiate our freedoms.