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The CEO's
Corner - June 2008
The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund's CEO's message for children and youth on the occasion of celebrating our founder, Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday
The 90th birthday celebration of our founder and former President Nelson Mandela, not only enjoys a universal appeal but also helps to turn attention on the adult component of today's societies, to engender a sense of mission in the younger generation to aspire to become better leaders of their respective countries with common goal to making the world an even better place to live in.
We share and express this key message in the full knowledge that the youths of our countries will soon have leadership responsibilities thrust upon, and that the children, who deserve unreserved care and protection, represent the very foundation of a humane society of our collective dreams - a future free of hatred, war and poverty.
In celebrating the children's champion who turns 90 on July 18, this year, the Fund calls upon our youth to deepen their conversation about democracy so as to make it a living part of their lives.
The gift of 90 years of life that we celebrate for the world acclaimed icon, presents our youth with giant steps to follow. And there is no greater tribute to Madiba, than for youth to live up to his penetrating vision, leadership prowess and borderless legacy.
This means our youth must choose their role models with utmost care, live their lives exemplary and to build good names for themselves and which can be held in high esteem by others.
To this end, our youths must only be seen but also heard. Unavoidably, the issues for which they are to be seen and heard must be of the nature that seeks to save the world from its state of hopelessness.
Being the source of hope for a better future, government must create opportunities not only for the youth to be listened to, but also act in enabling them to assume the responsibilities that would prepare them to be good citizens and cadres for inspirational leadership.
It is in this context that that the Fund has lined up its activities to involve youths in conversations that could demonstrate lessons learnt in celebrating the 90th birthday under the theme, celebrating the Children's Champion.
SIBONGILE MKHABELE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
NELSON MANDELA CHILDREN'S FUND
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