Machel calls for leaders

AFRICA’S youth and women need to stand up and take charge as the continent’s new leaders.

That was the message delivered by former first lady Graca Machel in Johannesburg on Saturday at the African Leadership Academy (ALA).

“[Africa needs] young‚ vibrant‚ innovative [leaders] to whom the continent’s youth can relate .”

Machel‚ speaking on ALA’s 10th anniversary‚ called on Africa’s emerging young leaders to remain committed to the cause of developing Africa.

At the celebrations, some of Africa’s brightest academic and economic minds discussed ways of uplifting the continent‚ through improved education, entrepreneurship development, human rights‚ healthcare and leadership programmes.

Machel‚ the widow of Nelson Mandela‚ said leadership was about integrity and values and making the choice to lead.

“Our youth must grasp the opportunity to lead.

“You must continuously check yourself to see that you are still committed to your values which make you want to be a leader.”

She said most of those living in Africa were young people.

“Our continent has a large youth population‚ looking for leaders who they can relate to‚ who they believe will be honourable and committed‚ especially to public service.

She called on the youth to redefine Africa’s identity.

“It can no longer be ‘I’. That is not what leadership or Africa is about.

“Our continent is about its people‚ the ‘we’‚ the collective.

“Women and youth have a major role to play in this redefining and development of our continent,” she said. –