By Prof. John Molepo
It is with great pride and a profound sense of humility that I stand before you today. This moment is not just a recognition of personal achievement, but a celebration of our collective journey as a generation of proactive youth determined to shape the future of South Africa and the continent.
We have arrived at this juncture through hard work, resilience, and the shared vision that tomorrow’s success begins with the actions we take today.
As recipients of this prestigious award, it is important to note that receiving this award is a humbling recognition of the hard work and determination that fuels our shared vision, and it reinforces our responsibility to continue pushing boundaries and building a better tomorrow
As young people, we are often told that we are the leaders of tomorrow. But I stand here to challenge that narrative. We are not the leaders of tomorrow. We are the leaders of today. The opportunity to build a better future is not some distant reality; it is right in front of us. Each day, we have the power to decide how we will shape the world we inherit. Each decision we make today will echo for generations to come.
Our country, South Africa, faces an array of pressing challenges — from poverty and unemployment to social inequality and environmental degradation. Yet, in the face of these challenges, we cannot afford to stand idly by. The urgency of our time demands proactive leadership. It demands that we rise to the occasion, not as passive observers, but as active participants in shaping our destinies and the future of our nation.
Africa, throughout its history, has produced figures who exemplify the power of taking action against seemingly insurmountable odds. Nelson Mandela, a man whose name is synonymous with resilience and leadership, spent 27 years in prison fighting against apartheid. Yet, despite the immense adversity he faced, Mandela emerged as a unifying force, showing us that courage in the face of injustice can transform a nation. His leadership reminds us that activism and perseverance are key to breaking down the barriers that divide us.
Wangari Maathai, an environmental and women’s rights activist, faced both political and societal opposition when she initiated the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. She was told that a woman could never lead a large-scale environmental movement. Yet, Maathai’s determination and courage earned her the Nobel Peace Prize and proved that one voice — one person — can change the course of history. Her example teaches us that the pursuit of justice, no matter how difficult, is always worth the effort.
Closer to home, we have South African leaders like Mamphela Ramphele — an academic, medical doctor and activist — who has been a vocal advocate for the empowerment of youth and the transformation of our educational systems. Ramphele faced the struggle of apartheid and became a voice for change in the health and education sectors. Her legacy, like that of many others, reinforces the belief that young people have the power to rise above any circumstance and lead the way in times of crisis.
As we look to these leaders and scholars, we are reminded of the powerful words of the late Kwame Nkrumah, one of Africa’s foremost political thinkers and scholars. He once said: “The task of the youth is not just to inherit the legacy of the past, but to create their own legacy for the future.”
This profound statement underscores the urgent need for proactive leadership from young people today. We are not simply inheritors of a legacy shaped by those before us; we are the architects of the future, tasked with creating a legacy that will define our time.
In addition, I want to share a powerful Swahili proverb that encapsulates the spirit of collective action and determination: “Haba na haba hujaza kibaba.” This translates to, “Little by little fills the measure”. It reminds us that even the smallest steps, when taken consistently and with purpose, add up to monumental change. No effort is too small. No action is insignificant. It is through our collective, consistent efforts that we will see real transformation.
We live in a world where the lines between opportunity and challenge are often blurred. Yet, it is in these moments of uncertainty that we must rise up with purpose. The education we receive, the resources at our disposal and the creativity that flows through us are not privileges to be taken for granted. They are tools — tools with the power to ignite change, to challenge the status quo and to build a future that reflects our collective aspirations.
As we navigate the complex issues facing South Africa today, we must remember that the future we desire will not come to us passively. We must step forward with courage and a sense of duty. It is in our hands, as the youth, to forge a path forward, to lead with purpose, and to work in unity.
There is an African proverb which says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”, and this reminds us that the work of creating change is not a solitary endeavour. It is a collective effort, one that requires cooperation, collaboration and community.
In this spirit, I encourage all of us — fellow Shining Stars — to embrace the responsibility we have been given. We must be proactive, not apathetic. We must take ownership of our futures, not wait for others to lead. Every small action, every courageous decision, and every step we take today will shape the tomorrow we want to see.
So, as we stand on the precipice of our futures, let us honour the legacy of those who came before us by taking action. Let us build tomorrow, today.
As the renowned African scholar Chinua Achebe once said: “The problem of the nation is the problem of the individual. Until we solve the problem of the individual, we cannot solve the problem of the nation.”
This final thought reminds us that the change we seek in South Africa — and in Africa as a whole — begins with us. It is only through our individual and collective commitment to growth, leadership and action that we will truly shape the future we desire.
As we navigate the challenges before us, I want to remind my fellow young people not to lose faith in ourselves, in each other, or in the possibilities that lie ahead. There will be moments of doubt, obstacles that seem insurmountable, and setbacks that threaten to derail us. But it is precisely in these moments that our resilience must shine the brightest.
Consider the words and actions of those who never gave up, even when the weight of the world seemed to bear down on them. Take, for example, the indomitable spirit of Steve Biko, whose philosophy of Black Consciousness ignited a movement of empowerment during apartheid. Despite facing brutal violence, imprisonment and ultimately losing his life for his beliefs, Biko’s message of self-empowerment and pride in our identity continues to inspire generations. His words, “The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed”, remind us of the power of belief and the necessity of never losing faith in ourselves.
We can also draw inspiration from the resilience of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president. Facing an array of political and societal challenges, including cnivil war and discrimination, Sirleaf’s resolve and unwavering commitment to peace, democracy, and women’s rights led Liberia out of its darkest hours. Her message to us is clear: “The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them.” And that no matter how impossible the future may seem; persistence and vision can turn dreams into reality.
Closer to home, we have the unforgettable example of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a South African icon who embodied strength, defiance and determination. Known as the “Mother of the Nation”, Winnie was a fierce advocate for justice, never bowing to the apartheid regime even as it sought to break her spirit. She faced imprisonment, torture and immense personal loss, yet she remained steadfast in her commitment to the liberation of her people. Her message to us resonates deeply today: “I am the product of the people, the people who fought for liberation.”
Winnie’s legacy teaches us that no matter how painful the struggle, we must stay true to the cause and believe in the power of collective action to bring about real change and never forget our communities.
These leaders and many others have shown us that even in the face of adversity, our will to persevere and our belief in a brighter future can drive the changes we seek. So, my fellow youth, I urge you — no matter how difficult the path may seem, do not lose faith. The same determination that carried these African icons through their struggles is the strength we carry within us today.
To my fellow young Shining Stars, stay hopeful. Keep the flame of possibility alive in your hearts and continue to be the beacon of light that guides the way forward. The future is not only ours to inherit; it is ours to create.
As I conclude, I want to encourage my fellow shinning stars, to keep shinning, to also encourage others to shine and make this country a shining star.
Molepo delivered the keynote address at the Inside Education Foundation’s 100 South African Shining Stars 2024. He is an Associate Professor at the Tshwane University of Technology.
INSIDE EDUCATION
