Be the future president you wish to see
Our eyes were glued to the screen as we watched the situation in Zimbabwe unfold. Hardly anyone could have predicted a military intervention would eventually result in the end of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s 37-year term.
Since Zimbabwe has been under the leadership of one individual for such a long time, much speculation has flown towards what President Emmerson Mnangagwa must focus on to turn around the country.
Some of those speculating about his plans have been sceptical, saying it seems unlikely he will be passionate about changing the very system in which he served as deputy president.
Others are more hopeful that he might just be the change that the country needs.
Mnangagwa recently gave insights into his priorities, citing economic growth and a new cabinet as the primary areas of focus.
This significant and unexpected change means that the discussions about what should ideally be on his agenda will continue for a while.
All of a sudden, the person on the street is interested in sharing their views on what would be top of mind for them were they made president.
It is exciting to observe the energy that people are investing into speculating about the new president’s priorities. However, I cannot help but wonder about the collective benefits of challenging ourselves to state our priorities were we made president of our own country, South Africa.
Instead of speculating about the presidential agenda, what about being firm about our own personal agenda?
This lies within our influence.
Once we have our priorities, we should then ask ourselves: what is it that we are doing in our day-today lives to contribute to the prosperity of our own country?
That we are not the elected president does not mean that we do not all hold responsibility to lead the country towards prosperity.
We can do this by having an impact through the little pockets of influence within our reach.
We need to rid ourselves of the mentality that we are waiting for people somewhere at the top to fix the country’s problems and strengthen its opportunities — we are all responsible for this.
What is more important is figuring out what we are most passionate about addressing — and going for it.
Simple and klaar.
If we all spend enough time consistently focused on addressing the pockets of our economy about which we are most excited, we are bound to see results.
With the approach of the upcoming ANC conference, there has been much debate on who will be elected to the helm.
In similar vein to the Zimbabwe conversation, we are eager to speculate about the priorities of each individual who
We must go for our passion. Simple and klaar
has put up their hand to be elected president of the ANC.
Instead of focusing our efforts on their agendas, let us remember that we individuals can also have an agenda for our country.
This is a republic that belongs to all of us, so its success depends on our ability to act accordingly and treat it as if it is our own responsibility.
Instead of proclaiming that we will jump ship and leave the country if the economy continues to deteriorate, each of us should focus on what we are doing to help our country become the kind of home where it is worth staying, and retaining our investments and talents.
We should not be doing this for ourselves but for the nation, and for the generations who will follow.
We are privileged to have so many inspiring forefathers who played their part in creating a South Africa that they would be proud to call home.
We, too, have a responsibility to carry a legacy into the next generation.
After all, however big or small our influence today, it would be great to look back decades from now and feel that our actions had had a positive effect on the kind of South Africa we are leaving for future generations.
Sikhakhane, who has an MBA from Stanford University, is a global speaker and business strategist specialising in leadership, entrepreneurship and change management