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6LU

Young people nowadays have opportunities that our forefathers couldn¶t even dream of. In today¶s $frica, it is uncommon to see a young person commanding huge audiences and leading some of the continent¶s most prestigious institutions.

:hen I see or read about such young people, my heart e[plodes with Moy and pride, to see fellow youth e[ celling in ways that were practically unthinkable many years ago.

In all this Moy and e[citement at the achievements of the current crop of young people, I also have deep fears and concerns. 0y fears and concerns stem from certain rhetoric, behaviors and attitudes that some of our youth leaders display.

Our heads of State are often criti cised for e[travagant, unconstitution al, selfish and at times bizarre forms of leadership. It is quite ironic that the biggest critics of our heads of State are the same individuals who begin to display the same traits when they receive an inch of power.

Phenomenon

This phenomenon fascinates me in as many ways as it concerns me. Young people are the first and loudest to advocate for µabuse of power¶ but when we find ourselves in decision making positions, we sometimes morph into replicas of the very same people we opposed.

$t this rate, we are bound to be no different than the leaders who we so passionately denounce. I feel as young people, we need to take a step back and figure out why we really pursue leadership positions. Is it the burning desire that we have to be in control? Is it the quest for financial remuneration at all cost? Is it the abil ity to travel the world for conferences and vacations in 'oha?

These are questions that need an swers and if these answers point to µyes¶, then please do us all a favor and let others take the lead. In as much as I have pointed out the ills in

youth leadership, we also have some inspirational young people that gen uinely put others before themselves.

)rom what I have seen, these individ uals are a minority but I can only hope that they are inspiring others in the art of selfless dedication to a cause. These are the young people that need all our attention, support and resources.

(swatini is in serious need of trans formation in the leadership sector and we cannot waste time on a group that says all the right things in the begin ning of their careers but then become shadows of their former selves when it is time to act.

In the words of /ailah $kita ³$ leader has a great duty. You have to perform beyond the e[pectations of the people.”

&KULV