Accepting the challenge

The South Africa journey towards democracy is one which has transcended bounders and inspired countries transitioning from an oppressive past, include Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Nelson Mandela, in his inaugural address on 10 May 1994, challenged each South African to help build a nation in which each individual lives a dignified life “Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity's belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all.”

Nelson Mandela remains a mantra for justice and peace, but has passed the baton on to our generation. We, who enjoy the freedoms of a democratic South Africa, also bear the responsibility to ensure freedom and equality reigns in South Africa. But freedom, to me, is not limited to political freedom; enfranchisement of all South Africans regardless of race. Freedom in post-apartheid South Africa includes economic and social freedoms too. Indeed, the attainment of economic freedom elevates one from the pits of poverty and its inhumane social injustices.

It is from this yearning for freedom in its broader sense that a young group of committed individuals, have embarked on a journey to better understand the South African landscape in order to improve it as future change-agents. The SAWIP class of 2011 consists of 15 young leaders who envisage a better South Africa for all who live in it. We are a diverse group, from different backgrounds, religious dominations and political affiliations (if any).

It is this group of conscious leaders that re-ignite my passion for development and social justice. The meetings with dignitaries including The Deputy Consulate General, the Irish Ambassador to South Africa, and leadership guru Nigel Bailey, have provided great insight into the multi-faceted South African landscape. From the DVC of UWC, tracing the history of South Africa from the early 1800’s to an introduction into Resonance Leadership with Nigel Bailey, the SAWIP curricula has afforded me an enviable opportunity to LEARN.

It is with Margaret Mead’s words “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” that I am assured that Nelson Mandela’s challenge will be achieved. The SAWIP class of 2011 accepts the challenge, with the knowledge that unto whom much is given, much is expected.

Except nothing but greatness from this, the SAWIP class of 2011