LEADERSHIP
What does the word LEADERSHIP mean? I suspect it has many different meanings for lots of people. It also carries different meanings and connotations depending on where you live in the world. There is no place on earth where the need for good leadership is more dire than in Africa. Unfortunately historically Africa has often produced less than exemplary leaders.
Joseph “Rev Run” & Justine Simmons, Nicola Breytenbach, Kim Kardashia and Russell Simmons.
*Nicola pictured above attending the Diamond For Africa dinner hosted by Hearst Corp and Diamond Information Center for the Diamond Empowerment Fund.
It is for this reason that focusing our efforts on the future leaders of Africa couldn’t be more important. The youth of Africa are the future of Africa, they hold in their hands the keys but it is our duty to show them how to unlock the doors to their future.
We have however had some truly great leaders in Africa; Biko, Mandela, Tutu jump to mind. But when I talk about leadership and leaders I’m not just referring to heads of state and leaders of countries. Great leaders can be parents, teachers, policemen and doctors. By leading by example and being a good role model to the youth of Africa you have the ability to effect change and it is this change today that will change tomorrow and ultimately the future of Africa as we know it.
Having spent my early years growing up in South Africa I am acutely aware what the results of bad leadership can be and the devastation it can cause whole populations. Not just in South Africa but across the entire continent.
This is why the Diamond Empowerment Fund for me is the perfect way to foster, nurture and encourage the future leaders of Africa. The most powerful tool Africa’s youth have at their disposal is education. Through education we can effect change in Africa. John F. Kennedy once said “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other” and I couldn’t agree more.
During my visit with the DEF to CIDA City Campus and the Maharishi Institute last year I was so impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the students. They are young, confident individuals who have not let their life circumstances stand in their way. During a Q & A session I asked the students what they wanted to achieve and do with their lives. Every single student had a dream, an aspiration to achieve greatness. Together with the DEF it is our duty to bottle their enthusiasm and dreams in order that they can make them a reality. They are the future leaders of tomorrow and the future of Africa.
One of my favourite quotes comes from Africa’s greatest leader Nelson Mandela “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”
- Nicola
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Reggie Bush, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Ray Crockett visit Botswana and South Africa