Spirit of Youth Leadership Programme

Grade 11 students, Sa’ad Patel and Lesego Sithole participated in the Spirit of Youth (SoY) Leadership Programme offered by the Gordon Institute of Business Sciences (GIBS) throughout the course of the year. On six Saturdays, they engaged with students from various schools of different backgrounds in workshops that were centred around leadership in the 21st Century, and in particular - leadership in an African and South African context.

They held critical conversations around issues that are prevalent in South Africa, as well as explored the position and possible contributions of the youth in the process towards bettering the conditions of South Africa. Some of the themes touched on were race and identity, personal leadership, social responsibility and moving successfully into professional life.

The sessions were also an opportunity to build networks and connections with individuals, old and young, from all facets of life. Lesego says – “Overall, it was an enriching experience, from which we learnt valuable lessons and skills that will in turn shape us into better people, as well as better leaders.”