President’s Youth Empowerment Awards: THEME: ‘Going above and beyond’

Programme Director

Ms. Adele Latchman,

Mr Jaco Maree,

Anton Paterson from Nedbank,

the Senior Management

All

Trustees seated today, and

my colleague from the City of Cape Town, Cllr/Dr. Zahid Badroodien.

Good morning, Goeie More, Molweni etc…

It is indeed humbling and a privilege to be here as this auspicious occasion here today.  

Lastly, I would also like to pay a special tribute to the award winners here today who have taken it upon themselves to go the extra Mile.

Thank you all for going ‘Above and Beyond’ not just today, but every day:

I wish to urge all our award winners here to ‘Keep moving forward’, to continue to do what makes you light up inside and what sets your soul on fire. To continue to live a purposeful life and lead with intention.

Success is not easy, it requires hardwork, commitment and dedication. It requires a tremendous amount of effort, over a long period of time.  

Unless you do something consistently and persevere during the tough times, you will not see the results you may be looking for…

However, please do not forget to enjoy the journey along the way… Do not forget to truly enjoy moments such as today…

You will look back one day and see how it was a collection of victories such as today, that built you into the wonderful leaders that I believe you all will become in the future.

Please do not wait for permission to pursue your dreams! You do not require or need anyone’s permission to tap into your greatness. But then again, I know that all of you receiving awards here today, are well aware of this.

That is what brings all of us here today. To celebrate that as young individuals, you are conscious of the fact that you do not need permission to achieve… You know, some people live their entire lives never realizing their dreams. 

I salute you all! Your ability to remain motivated, especially in a world in which everyone wants or wishes for instance gratification as a consequence of the rise and increased role that social media and peers plays in our life…

It is important to remember that, all the best things in life take time, whether it be; having a skill set, excellency in sport, volunteering and service to your community.

Martha Beck once said: The way we do anything is the way we do everything?

It is remarkably important to remain present and practice mindfulness in all that you do.  The clearer you are in your mind about what it is you wish to do, the far more likely you will achieve your goal or objective.

With this in mind, never feel afraid or be ashamed about setting yourself big, hairy audacious goals.

Goals help you improve; they help you ensure that you develop to reach your full potential.

Achieving your wildest dreams, requires discipline, it requires hardwork… It is an act that can only be completed by oneself… Each one of you here today, is a testimony to this fact.

Also, be prepared for the difficult and dark times, that will inevitably cross your path however, they are necessary hurdles for your life’s journey.

Keep the flame alive!

Most importantly, keep believing in yourself and your dreams!

At times when you are doing well… People may think that you are lucky… Stay humble in your success, as humility goes along way.

Remember to do it for yourselves and not to be merely seen doing what you do, to impress those people around you.

At the end of the day… ‘It’s what you do in the darkness, that puts you in the light.’

Sometimes it may be your friends, family and loved ones that may talk you out of achieving greatness… It may be the ones that you are dating or in your immediate circle that may talk you out of doing something special and significant. I urge you to remain focused and cling on to your dreams.

Please do not allow, fear, rejection or the word NO to stop you from living a life of purpose.

In saying this, boldly walk into the room with your head held up high and if they do not get it, laugh it off…

…KEEP THE FAITH…

To all of you present here today, your achievements are indeed inspirational… continue with the good work!

In closing, I would like to end off by sharing the words of Tata Nelson Mandela

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

I thank you!