Zanele Mabaso

My vision of Africa in 2063

Talks about the Africa we want have commenced, the Africa I believe we need is yet to come. In 50 years from the year 2015, Africa will have transformed and this is my vision of Africa from the perspective of a young woman in 2063.

Our children play and cheer joyously in the streets with no fear, no longer challenged and confined by mysterious abductions. We are the citizens of Africa. Safe and secure, no longer afraid to send our children to school, for we know they are protected in their neighbourhoods. We live in peaceful societies and though petty crime still lingers, justice has brought harmony, thus our children salute and rejoice in the Africa that has become.

The youth spoke, the youth fought, the youth were heard and today we give tribute in the Africa they have made. We are emancipated young people, financially independent to support our children, families and give back into the upliftment of our communities. Our youth is employed and empowered, changing lives and transforming societies every day of their lives.

Everyone has and understands the right to sexuality, to be free from the grounds of discrimination and sexual orientation, thus our girls and women, boys and men walk freely side-by-side unruffled by gender malevolent crimes.

Citizens of different nations gather in common grounds. We dance, sing and cheerfully celebrate our freedom together, bigotry and injustice is no more.

We are free, we are safe, we are protected.

Our farms reap fresh crops which seasons the usual harvest, thus our women produce and process, manufacture and export with our brothers and sisters in neighboring and afar countries. We reaped what we sowed and our lands have grown, in trade we explored and through agriculture Africa continues to thrive.

Women are in political and leadership structures, power imbalances have diminished and women govern economies with boldness. Long have we spoken but today, empowered we are.

Our mothers give birth to healthy newborns; no longer do we worry if they will live for an hour or a day after they bring life into the world, for indeed they live.

Husbands and men safeguard our women and children thus our boys are well groomed, girls well educated and together they strive and build empires, equally.

Gender based violence, female genital mutilation, early and forced child marriage and other harmful traditional practices which oppressed before, are now a thing of the past.

Equality reigns.

Our heritage is restored and our pride in our land has been renewed, we are citizens of Africa. Christians, Muslims, Jews and all religions and races have made peace, reconciliation has solidified the chains of harmony and war is no more.
Thus new cities have been built on hard soil, infrastructure is ameliorated, electricity, clean water and proper sanitation is for all a just need.

Our domicile and means of transportation has changed, through we feared we were living on a ticking time bomb in the past decades, we persevered and thus have prospered. Fresh air we breathe and all that is on earth still lives.

Johannesburg and Abuja are the leading cities in Africa and economies share in their development, advanced technology and it’s meticulously modernized architecture. Slums, rural areas and townships have old-fangled, no sign of such buildings remains. Our schools are amongst the best in the continent, our universities amongst the best in the world. Education our pride, education our light through which we learn, we apply and thus we succeed.

In 2063, Africa is graciously developing and South Africa is a developed country.

Governments have changed, Public servants have served and Our leaders passed on the baton to the deserving young who have together played their part. Generation after generation Africa has grown and today - year 2063 - Africa lives, Africa breathes and indeed, Africa leads.

Africa my continent, Africa my pride, Africa my home.

Zanele Mabaso is an ardent advocate for the global youth community, with primary interest in sexual reproductive health, education and economic empowerment of young women and girls in Africa. A member of the Global Shapers Community, Tshwane Hub in South Africa and One Young World Ambassador, Zanele is determined to lead were governed for the liberation and Human Rights Representation of women around the world. She is the Global Ambassador for ILive2Lead International and strongly believes that exceptional young women leaders need to take the authority of being free - to inspire, motivate and lead those who are not as privileged.

She is inspired by the outlook on the future of the African Child and considers Africa – Home.

Twitter : @zanelemabaso23
Instagram : zanelemabaso23
Facebook : Zanele Mabaso

So help me God...My prayer for Africa.

I'm from a generation undecided. I'm young and restless, but the times are changing.

So help me God...

In my lifetime, I can only pray that God grants me my wishes, wishes to lead my generation in the times of change. Long have we lived in a breaking world where nothing is for keeps, waking up each day to a world devised with poverty inequality, unemployment and great sorrow as millions mourn the loss of loved ones, lost to not just the epidemic killer diseases [HIV/AIDS] but too that of which is known and unknown.

So help us God...

Help us in renewing our generation of people who still live, with the hope of the future. There are two things that a person has and cannot live without and that is love and hope, but with fear these two essential commodities to life's best treasures are left unearthed in the confusion that the world continues to experience.

So help me God...

To explore my nation and travel the world to experience the sorrow and mourning, the torture, pain and killing of our people - that continues to lead our promising continent into deeper turmoil. That I will not be alone as I reach for hands with the aim of touching hearts and addressing minds, with the aim of cleansing thoughts. Till they ultimately reach out to the Lord above where when all is done and pain is gone they know that the creator of all things and beings is indeed - God - and the pain, suffering and grieving will soon pass. For when one believes in love, one is free - for with Love there is peace, with love there is comfort and with love there is complete understanding.

So help us God...

In a continent where men work hours on end with the daily struggle to make ends meet, women caring for children which their husbands have abandoned and tasked with the ills of caring for a generation forgotten.

In a continent where the youth are unemployed and wake up each day in search of the days treasures to not only gain financial independence for themselves but for their families which they care for.

In a continent where we are ridiculed by our governments, looked down upon by our public servants who serve only with self enrichment in mind, where those in power live in complete disregard of the rest of the nation and little is done to change the state of their livelihoods.

In a continent where the rich continue to gain riches and the poor continue to drown in poverty - are we ever going to eradicate poverty? We can still Hope. There IS still Hope.
Give us the know how, grant us the ability to love our neighbors beyond reason, where we willfully give without expectation, with the hope that better will be rendered back to us because in God we believe in and he is indeed of undying, eternal love.

So help me God...

Help me lead the young women of my nation through advocacy and labor. Where I speak for the unspoken, for the fearful and for those who have nothing more to live for, for as long as night comes and the sunrises each day, there will be hope, there will be joy and there will be bread on their tables.

So help me God in my journey to liberate my oppressed people in Africa, the young girls who are abducted on a daily basis, trafficked and sold to prostitution, the innocent continuously raped and sexually harassed by their loved ones. Those young and sold to early marriages for economic gains, those who are abused and murdered for speaking out about what they believe in. So help me God, as I journey into my purpose of calling for their social, economic, political and individual liberation. For I believe, when the greater masses hear the cries of Africa's children, so will they rise and when they rise, we pray they rise indefinitely.

So help us God...

In building African Nations that will prosper:
An Africa where women and girls are entitled to basic human rights and are taken care of.
Where the married too young are no longer subjected to sexual, violent and emotional abuse by their spouses.
Where their voices are heard and unjust actions by perpetrators are called in by the state and Justice is served.

An Africa where hunger has no home and starvation is no daily routine.
Where the less privileged are granted basic subsidies and mentored into making a living.
Where no family lives on less than $2 a month and fiance is a commodity that comes in abundance.
Where poverty subsides and later becomes extinct.

An Africa where intercontinental trade is a basis for national development, growth and maturity.
Where Africa trades indefinably with the global market and fruitful & lasting global partnerships are formed.
Where businesses boom and the economic prosperity is shared amongst citizens of all social classes.
Where citizens of Africa love one another and fear no more & the call of xenophobia takes no oath.

An Africa where peace reigns and war is no more.
Where youth are at rest and their futures are at peace, for they fight no more.
Where protests, strikes and marches are a thing of the past.

An Africa where education is a priority and every child is educated.
Where the young are taught practical applications to theoretic principles.
Where the young plant seeds they will reap in building empires that will modify the future.

An Africa where no youth is unemployed.
Where all lands of a single nation are lands of equal opportunities.
Where the young and restless are encouraged, motivated and mentored to remain economically savvy.

An Africa where cross-cultural integration leads to continental and global social cohesion
Where Africans are connected because of ethnicity, history and understanding - and not pride

An Africa where the rich are as poor as the poor and the poor as rich as the rich.
Where equality is a norm.
Where the freedom reigns from the roots of governmental, corporate and private structures and decisions made on all levels are to the benefit of all.

An Africa that agrees on the liberation of it's people.
Where heads of states are selfless beings and traditional leaders lead in favor of it's people through effective and efficient democratic governance.

An Africa where religion is a choice.
Where judgement is not based on religion, creed, belief, culture, social status, race and ethnicity.
Where no child, man or woman is brutally torched and murdered because of their beliefs.
An Africa where justice is served.

O! So help me God.. in granting me the days to experience my Africa develop and grow and in granting my wishes as I embark on a journey devised on my purpose to serve...God hear me as I share - My prayer for Africa.

Amen.

Zanele Mabaso is an ardent advocate for the global youth community, with primary interest in sexual reproductive health, education and economic empowerment of young women and girls in Africa. A member of the Global Shapers Community, Tshwane Hub in South Africa and One Young World Ambassador, Zanele is determined to lead were governed for the liberation and Human Rights Representation of women around the world. She is the Global Ambassador for ILive2Lead International and strongly believes that exceptional young women leaders need to take the authority of being free - to inspire, motivate and lead those who are not as privileged. She is inspired by the outlook on the future of the African Child and considers Africa – Home.

Twitter: @zanelemabaso23
Instagram: zanelemabaso23
Facebook: Zanele Mabaso

Women Leadership in the 21st Century

After interviewing distinguished women leaders and respected business representatives in the entrepreneurship, corporate and civil society sector in Deauville France at the Global Womens Forum as a representative of the ILive2Lead International Youth Delegation, and learning a lot from them - attained wisdom and saw it wise to share my knowledge on what it takes to be a woman leader in the 21st Century, where my articles were published by international media such as Global Women's Forum, ILive2Lead Blog, The Daily Beast and Huffington Post

Thanks to organisers and directors of The Raymond Ackerman Academy who had taken the initiative of arranging the Raymond Ackerman Young Leaders Engagement event at the University of Johannesburg -Soweto Campus, where I had the privilege of meeting outstanding women leaders, who ran successful social businesses, entrepreneurial ventures and strived to continue their work doing various projects aimed at providing solutions to socioeconomic challenges and contributing to the growth of personal and professional development of others.

It was my honour and pleasure to address the audience about Women Empowerment in the context of Leadership and "What it takes to be a An Effective Woman Leader in the 21st Century"

I had recently watched the renowned movie: "The Help", Grammy Award winning "12 Years a Slave" and countless other female lead movies including the outstanding South African produced film "Sarafina!". The remarkable characters depicted in the story-lines always cultivate a feeling of great emotion, particularly when analysing the role and portrayal of women in them. The lead they take evokes a deep sense of empowerment and the authority that women have to stand up for themselves, fight for their rights and those of others, to be delivered from oppression- which has been a struggle for millions in the past decades & centuries - makes any woman watching, feel proud of being a woman and restores the sense of self-belief in one's self. The rich history it portrays also promotes self-actualisation, self-respect and dignity amongst all else.

Though we consistently talk about women-to-women agenda's, it is equally important to recognise the opposite gender too. They are the only other gender: both genders should engage in participative leadership, share information and power. As much as men are assertive and competitive, women have too adopted those similar qualities, where I am of the opinion that having diverse qualities leads to maximized participation, diversified opinion and productivity in any course of action.

There is a cultural shift that has to happen between men and women of all generations, if we want to deal with female representation and leadership, we will have to deal with gender parity and embed the principles of gender equality. In that way, women and men alike can rise indefinitely and diminish income disparities, human rights violations, imbalanced opportunities and economic participation which are often the results of gender inequality. Therefore, I believe that women leadership can rise with the collaborative and collective generosity of motivating one another to achieve greatness.

Below I have only included a brief outline of the 10 things I consider one to use as a guideline, to attaining knowledge on being an effective leader in any [desired] field of expertise in the current century.

What it takes to be an Effective Woman Leader in the 21st Century? Less than 10 things!

1. Having a clear vision : This is a critical and crucial element to any daily and future orientated action or function. It is vital to make sure that you have a clear vision what is accommodated by a mission, objectives and strategies on how to achieve set goals. By executing and implementing the set plans - ensures the possibilities of moving closer to achieving the desired vision. Therefore, one has to concede with the fact that: A vision without action is merely time wasted.

2. Courage: Courage goes alongside confidence. One needs to have the confidence to not be easily discouraged, therefore you need to have the courage to see the vision you have play out in reality and strive to make it work, regardless of the battles you will face along your leadership journey.

For many young women leaders, fear is usually primary barrier to opportunities in their various fields of interests, it is therefore important to know that courage is about being unfearful, confident, authoritative and assertive in your position of action. Have the courage to speak out when you have been granted the opportunity to and be the person you want to be.

3. Determination: Having the drive and zeal to keep going, nobody says it will be an easy journey. Be determined to achieve the goals you have set for your course of action by keeping the vision of the overall execution in mind. Achieving goals usually requires some level of sacrifice and challenges, this is about having the tenacity of stay-power and focus. If you are determined to achieve something you believe in, trust me, nobody can stop you.

4. Perseverance: After the determination to achieve the set vision and goals for execution, It is equally crucial to have steady persistence in your course of action. If you plan on getting something done, be persistent and patiently persevere (without giving up), until you get it.

Despite the obstacles, difficulties and discouragement you will receive in our journey, live with the belief that: The more you do something, the easier it will be and become more natural the next time you do it.

5. Be informed: The current generation is a generation drowning in information - but - there isstill a great lack in wisdom and knowledge. In the industry that you work in or pursue to work in, you need to be informed. When you have knowledge about something, you will feel more confident about talking about it. This will help in building courage and speaking out even if your voice shakes. Get facts, analyse statistics and current trends, share that information and grow from it. Investing in education, knowledge and wisdom is the best thing you can ever do for yourself. Short Learning Programs at industry specific [Executive] Business Schools are a meaningful way to getting in-depth and detailed knowledge.

As a wise man once said: "Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela.

6. Be strong & have a sense of self. Theo Sewo CEO of African Women's Development Fund acknowledged that being a strong woman leader in the 21st century requires one to have a strong sense of self. Being a "woman" is not enough. It is of great importance to primarily know who you are, what you want, what you don’t want, what you will settle down for, what you will not tolerate and so forth. This will help you in building a character that will accommodate you in the daily proceedings of the industry you work in and in communicating with others with better intentions. This does not mean take yourself too seriously and forget to have fun, but rather - be the person that you want to meet. You will learn how to be more eloquent in your word, more assertive (not aggressive) and easily understood.

7. Focus! : My mother once said, "Jack of all trades tire faster.” I used to do so many things at once [which is not a fault because I strongly believe multitasking is an inborn female characteristic]. It’s not a bad thing to be a jack of all trade because you learn a lot in the process - but - there will come a time where you will have to choose. To choose and focus on one thing and do it exceptionally well is where ultimum success comes from. Though trying new things can be a learning process and route for discovery, doing too much in one time can leave you drained, confused, tired, and eventually can result in you losing your vision and direction . Also make sure that you invest enough time in yourself as much as you do invest in others. The word is: BALANCE.

8. Dare to be different: If we were all the same, what fun would living life be? Embrace your difference, your unique talents, your unique style. Your unique physique and mental orientation. Being different comes with being misunderstood, but rather be misunderstood than ordinary right? Always remember that your unique sense of self [no matter how different to others] is what makes you , YOU.

9. Mentorship and Coaching: Give in to being mentored and coached; form relationships with industry leaders, people who have been there done that, graced through all the challenges and succeeded over all exception. You will feel more confident in your work as you will be constantly reminded of why you do what you do. As a participant of the Fortune 500 Mentorship Program in South Africa, do condone mentorship and guidance as an effective professional strategy proven to work in elevating a person to the next level of their leadership or entrepreneurship journey.

Whoever you know that can mentor you, who is doing what you are doing no matter who they are: follow them. It will be to your benefit if not otherwise.

9. Resilience: Resilience is a characteristic many successful people acknowledge because they would not have else been successful if they did not have the ability to get back up after obstacles and challenges & continue to strive again! You have to have the ability to be determined and focused enough to stay confident and courageous in what you do, despite the obstacles and challenges, as a woman leader you will have to learn how to be persistent and patiently persevere to reach your goals.

As much as mentorship and coaching can be applied to various principles to assist with being fervent in your doings, it is equally important to stay strong and have a sense of self, because after all else, when all is done and dusted...there will be more incidents that might not be related to one another where you will have to practise resilience, and that i strongly believe will assist you in your desires to being an Effective Woman Leader in the 21st Century.

I am empowered and thrilled about seeing more [young] women in supreme & powerful leadership positions and being effective women leaders in their fields of expertise and interests in the future.

Zanele Mabaso is an ardent advocate for the global youth community, with primary interest in sexual reproductive health, education and economic empowerment of young women and girls in Africa. A member of the Global Shapers Community - Tshwane Hub in South Africa and One Young World Ambassador, Zanele is determined to lead were governed for the liberation and Human Rights Representation of women around the world. She is the Global Ambassador for ILive2Lead International and strongly believes that exceptional young women leaders need to take the authority of being free - to inspire, motivate and lead those who are not as privileged.

Twitter : @zanelemabaso23
Instagram: zanelemabaso23
LinkedIn : Zanele Mabaso

#EndChildMarriage!

What were you doing as an 8 year old girl?

Maybe you had just started second grade, getting an education, having fantasy Tea-Tuesday picnics and playing with imaginary friends in the garden in the guard of your parents watching your every move -entertaining themselves with the day's newspaper whilst smiling over it's brim every 2 seconds to make sure you were okay; safe and sound.
Or were you forced into an early marriage at the tender age of 8, where a few hours after the wedding ceremony found your young self being physically, emotionally and mentally assaulted, viciously and brutally sexually harassed by your male companion [now husband] who is 40 years older. A pain so complex - no child is meant to experience, but this is a reality for many young girls from as young as 6 years old in countries where child marriage is ruled legal.

On the 6th of June 2014, an 8 year old child bride from Northwestern Yemen, Hardh in the Middle East, died on her wedding night after suffering internal injuries and sexual trauma from her betrothed husband. This particular incident sparked international outrage and called for global outcry to #EndChildMarriage in Yemen. It is believed the young girl died due to internal bleeding which was the result of sexual intercourse that tore her uterus and other organs.
It is not the first child marriage case to happen in Yemen nor around the world in countries where child marriage is still legal.

“According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), between 2011 and 2020, more than 140 million girls will become child brides. Furthermore, of the 140 million girls who will marry before the age of 18, 50 million will be under the age of 15.”

Generally, we concede and acknowledge poverty as the primary reason why child marriage continues to happen, as the parents believe marrying them off to wealthy men or spouses that have the ability to protect them economically - will secure their daughters futures. This being relatively translated as girls can be seen as an economic burden, as a commodity, means of settling debt or disputes and means of securing political, social and economic alliances. We've seen most of these despicable trades happen after natural disasters such as the war in Syria, food in-secure Kenya, Young girls married off to "Tsunami widowers" in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India as a way to obtain state subsidies. Conflicts in Sudan, Uganda and Liberia where girls were abducted and given as "bush wives" to war lords by their families as means to secure protection. Abduction of over 250 girls in Nigeria as belief by Boko Haram that girls should be settled into early marriage instead of getting an education and the list goes on and on and on. Because a marriage fee is generally paid to the family of the child bride in favour of the union., In other countries this is can easily be titled as "Slavery", "Prostitution", "Rape" and other derogatory terms used when a person is forced into sexualy enticed engagements due to socio-economic and econo-politic pressure by those they are being traded by.

The children [below the age of 18] willingly accept marriage as their allotted fate. This element of coercion is then often involved when families apply social or emotional pressure or urge marriage for economic reasons or further advocate marriage as in the (misguided) that such a union will keep their daughters safe. In other countries, it is said blessings come when a child is married off before their first menstruation. There are many conspiracies as to why child marriage is made legal in over 100 countries around the world, but with economies that believe in the girl child WE [citizens of global economies, where child marriage is an abomination and strictly illegal] need to join forces in advocating for the ending of child marriages in developing countries for we have seen first hand the differences between a child with a well upbringing and one of that given to early marriage at a tender age.

Child marriage is a violation of human rights and a deterrent to development: Child marriage is a violation of article 16(2) of the Universal declaration of human rights, which states that “marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.” article 16 of the convention on the elimination of all Forms of discrimination against Women (cedaW) states that women should have the same right as men to “freely choose a spouse and to enter into marriage only with their free and full consent”, and that the “betrothal and marriage of a child shall have no legal effect” - UNFPA

Yemen child rights advocate Ahmed Al-Qureshi, instead of demanding more transparency from officials on reports leading to the international story. There should be a call to end child marriage policies in the country.People who have interests and belief in protecting the girl child - as we strongly believe that such practises not only result the child bride being subjected to physical, emotional and sexual violence in their forced marriages - but they lose access to health and most importantly education and economic independence in the future, with out these 3 elements; the child will not have the ability to leave the marriage as they grow older for they will have not learned how to think, live and respond to nature independently. Therefore this will continue to breed a future of more children sold to early marriage by their families. This will be a ripple effect of current proceedings and one that has and will continue being viewed as a norm - which is, but should NOT be!

Call to Action: Young women [and men] in countries where such practices are being condoned need to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for fear and/or virtue of not being heard and work towards getting policies, legislation and regulations leading to Human Rights and the Protection Women and Children changed. Where the laws to be made are deemed favorable to young women and girls. With such - youth activists [Global Shapers Communities in the Middle East, One Young World Ambassadors and Ilive2Lead International Ambassadors around the world et al] need to forward the proposals and petitions to protect its girls from the devastating effects of early marriage by setting 18 as the minimum age for marriage by law.

Imagine, 8 years old getting married and dying a few hours later due to sexual brutality or having to wed off your own 7 year old daughter 9 years later? This act is a violation of human rights and a deterrent for development of of young women, girls and boys who are exposed to the life threatening and burdening experience.

Help us advocate for the liberation of young brides in over 100 foreign countries around the world and let us via twitter @ZaneleMabaso23 #EndChildMarriage

Living on a budget: 10 Saving options for college students

When we get to college, we live on a tight budget. Many students get in the habit of buying now and paying later. Unfortunately such spending habits can and do come back to bite you. Little do we realize how frivolous spending on non-essentials increases dept and depletes your disposable income. So here are 10 easy ways on living on a student budget and saving money:

1. Hide your credit cards
Uncontrolled credit cards contribute to excessive debts. How about paying straight cash instead? In that case you will not have any obligations to continue months of payments after the purchase. Many eventually block their credit cards after paying off acquired depts, but this is not the solution. You need to have control over your credit cards and learn how to use them cautiously as this will prepare you for managing your finances easier at an older age when you have more needs and responsibilities.

2. Give up bad habits
Things like smoking, excessive drinking, gambling, shopaholic tendencies and spending too much money on takeaways tend to contribute as costly expenses as time progresses. Spending too much on these habits and guilty pleasures can cost one dearly in a short and long term period. Calculate how much you spend on these items every month and year and start thinking about cutting down or quitting to use that money for other things that will do you better for.

3. Rely on Bargains
When shopping for clothes, groceries, and other items, look for sales and "last off the shelve" items when considering making a purchase. Prescribed textbooks are also an expense but you can save on that too; by buying second hand textbooks in good condition. When you go treat yourself at a restaurant with friends, order a special instead of something off the menu. This low cost spending strategy can help you end up saving money you have never imagined.

4. Forget the cinema, stay at home
Watching the movies on a screen 20 times the size of the one in your living room is undoubtedly incredible, but you get the same experience at a cheaper cost. Spending more time entertaining yourself at home with friends not only keeps your social life active but you save a lot of money from the refreshments and ticket sales. You can have the same experience at a cheaper cost at home with rented DVD's and movies. Also instead of spending time at an expensive restaurant with friends, you can opt for an occasional barbecue or indoor outing, which can be much cheaper and more fun.

5. Do a priority list
Having a list with all the things you need for a 30 day or 6 month period and things you wish to attain in a 12 month period is helpful. It assists with making sure that you do not make impulse decisions and save well in advance for your next purchase. Such a list helps you identify needs and wants, which you can save a lot of money on. This goes for grocery lists, general shopping list, cosmetics for the ladies, holiday vacations and other activities.

6. Live within your means, stay true to your allowance
As students, we do face peer pressure and try to live up with certain trends, knowing very well that "keeping up with the College-dashians" does not complement the given allowance. Usually overspending on trends results in acquiring dept which takes a while to clear out. This dept can lead to depression and anxiety at a later stage when it builds up. Live within your means and set a budget for yourself. The savings rule is to: Spend what is left after saving and not Save what is left after spending.

7. Take the Gym home
Gym costs can be a bit expensive - depending on the option chosen - however instead of spending on the gym fees, cancel your monthly gym membership fee and workout at home. You can shed the same amount of weight at twice the amount of time and save thrice of money. Looking at exersize plans is also helpful, getting your trainers on and jogging in the morning and doing stretching exercises in the afternoon with a complementary low-cost diet. Buy cheap gym equipment too if you need to and fitness DVD's instead of paying for own personal trainer.

8. Recycle
Opt for recycling options and try to recycle reusable items when ever you can. Reuse aluminum foil, sandwich and freezer bags ect. To guard against germs and bacteria, sanitize and clean items thoroughly with water and soap before reusing. This also goes for being a "Do-it-Yourself" pro; If you need new jars to store your sugar, brown rice and flower, Why not use cleansed used glass jars instead? This will save on buying things that you don't need and utilizing alternative & substitute products to your benefit.

9. Invest in low-energy bulbs.
Students either live at residences on-campus or rented apartments off-campus. Therefore spend a lot on an electricity bill every month. To cut down on such costs, turn off appliances and electronics when unused and Invest in low-energy and environmentally friendly light bulbs. In this technology and renewable energy regeneration era, one can use solar powered lighting sources as means to electricity. This can save a lot of money from your budget and get you used to low-cost, reliable and renewable energy life style.

10. Turn your passion into a money-making business
Besides all the saving, one does tend to want to MAKE money TO save. The best way to keep cash-flow injecting into your savings account whilst you study is to turn your hobby and interest into a money making business. Enjoy singing? Render your services at a cost, Love to dance? Teach lessons and earn for the classes taught. In that way you have access cash flowing to invest in various saving options for the items on your priority list and the next financial years as a college student or post varsity.

10 things I aspire to live by in 2014

1. Everything is useful.

Making sure that I make the best out of all opportunities that I find Interesting. Be daring and do thing I enjoy doing to avoid having any regrets. 2 things on my agenda, which I have to do at some point, (non-business related) is: Bungee Jumping and Sky Diving, two activities i would make millions of excuses for - because - I'm terrified of heights!

I'm sure my experience there will come in handy and useful in the long run.
Besides that, the more experiences i encounter and challenges i over come; I will have had the ability to transform my way of thinking, doing and living after I decide to retire from University.

2. Creating a balance between passion and public value.

Looking forward to creating a stable balance between my personal passions which includes : interests, hobbies, activities and public value. Revaluation of how my work will positively contribute to the development of others and sustainable public growth.

Shying away from aspects that drain my energy and don't fully enjoy doing. "If you don't enjoy doing it - don't do it!" That's my motto.

3. Set Priorities and focus.

Focus is one of those things which i have always had. Ensuring that I am focused, and give every aspect of my personal and professional development and growth is met with the greater of all efforts. Paying much needed and deserved attention to priorities.

Listening skills have improved in the past 3 years. That is a milestone reached which has to continue being practiced till mastered.

4. Finding my niche.

This is all about finding my niche and different styles to fully major in. Minding what is already there and being innovative, unique and completely original.

5. Only way to make it is by working for it.

Either you will make a living by working for somebody else, or by starting something, and getting somebody to collectively assist you to make it work. I already ow what I enjoy doing and the future I want to have. However, it could all change, interests change and so do hobbies and passions. Which is why one has to have a vision and dream that is their main driver of working harder to accomplish futuristic goals. That's exactly what I'm going to do!

6. Mentorship.

Finding guidance and being mentored is one of the things that will strongly contribute to my development and growth both personally (mentally, physically and spiritually) and professionally. Asking for directions, suggestions and asking relevant questions to get over hurdles by getting assistance from people who have overcome them.

7. Do what you love doing.

Its as simple as that, if I enjoy it... I will do it. If not - I won't.

8. Encouraging others.

This year could be the year of sharing information, adding value to other peoples lives who need it most, inspiration, motivation and helping where I possibly can. Which I have been doing for the past 8 years, however willing to change my approach, focus and level of interest in engaging others

9. There is no 'rest of your life' -- only a best next step.

Hunter Styles would not have said it better. Best way to be on the top of your game is to know what game you're playing, how to play it and whether you playing for a win or just for fun. Feeling stuck? I'll have to get myself out of any challenge I foresee because indeed as @HunterSt7les mentioned: There is no 'rest of your life' --only a best next step.' If you can change it today, why not do it? Than live the rest of your life with regret!

10. Stay abreast of change!

Best thing anyone can ever do for themselves is to stay abreast of change by being informed of what is happening in other regions and around the world. I liaise to read ore newspapers, follow more updates , be informed and make progressing contributions to the development of what ever we are working on.

Article inspired by @HunterSt7les on his Article posted on Huffington Post College, titled: "28 year old's Ten Tips for Life after College" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hunter-styles/a-28yearolds-ten-tips-for_b_4572933.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

My Twitter handle: @zanelemabaso23,
My Instagram : zanelemabaso23

Washington DC: Young Women's International Leadership Summit

The I live to Lead International organisation hosted the 8th Young Women's International Leadership Summit in Washington DC held at Georgetown University. Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, offering a unique educational experience that prepares the next generation of global citizens to lead and make a difference in the world. She talks about her experience and what she learnt.

Through a vigorous selection process and thousands of applications, was selected as one of 26 young women from around the world to attend the Summit. Apart from receiving top leadership training from powerful women leaders in the United States, which was focused on various aspects that pertain to the development and growth of our social or business enterprises. She got the chance to engage in an interactive open discussion with a panel of business and media leaders such as the president and founder of Women Presidents Organisation Dr Marsha Firestone, Warren Thompson the president and chairman of Thompson Hospitality Cooperation, Anna Sarnoff of BBC Worldwide and Catherine Cook a 23 year old Graduate from Georgetown University to be listed under Forbes as one of the Most successful people under the age of 30.

"Towards the end of the first week I was amongst one of 5 women to represent young women from around the world in a round table discussion that was led by Hilary Clinton's closest advisers, Ambassador Melanne Verveer, together with the women ambassadors to the United States and senior representatives of organizations involved in the development of young women at the Senate of the United States of America.

Followed by a Reception honoring women leaders held at the U.S Capitol Building. Where I then had the privilege of meeting with Mrs Lwazi Mbongo the 3rd Secretary of Socio Economic Development from the South African Embassy in Washington DC, Mpule Kwelagobe the CEO of Mpule Institute of Endogenous Development and Executive Producer and Managing Editor of Women in the World, Kyle Gibson, Teshea Brodgins from the US Department of State to name a few."

"The experience from being exposed to such phenomenal women, resulted in a realization that regardless of the challenges you might come across along your towards the journey of achieving your goals, it is important to have a vision ad goals and never to part away from that vision, in other words, to eliminate fear and never give up. What I learnt from Mpule Kwelagobe that I want to share with al young peopl,e is that: "As a young person, you are capable of achieving what you set your self to do" she also advised: You will have people that will be negative about you , however whatever the situation you find yourself, be empowered"

Also learnt that you can get support for very influential people for support if you need it, it all comes with the notion of being an effective leader and believing that you have more potential than you actually think and imagine. The most elevating session for me was the "Leaders Dream" session held at Georgetown University. Where we had to close our eyes and through a guided meditation like process on dreaming what your future looks like, took a few minutes to visualize our future, and dream without any boundaries and limits, then open our eyes and share our dreams. To realize that dreaming is quite fascinating and as unbelievable as the results of dreams are...they are attainable. Which taught me the power of dreaming without limits and though we dream big, have to act small to create impact and expand from that. My dream consisted of me being in the company of Oprah Winfrey and being asked to share my journey to success, not to mention the trip to the moon in a yellow space craft amongst any a things, of which I depicted meant "there is a whole universe and undiscovered life out in this world, why stick to the saying The sky is the limit", when really, "The sky is NOT the limit" which are now words I use to motivate myself and others.

Having experienced a great lot from the young women delegates who attended the summit and women leaders who flew from around the USA to meet and share knowledge with us and we build our social or business enterprise was a major success, the last day was the Graduation with certification of recognition from ILivetoLead International and the Georgetown University McDough Business School

Back in South Africa after representing young women from my country and voicing the challenges we face and concerns that need to be addressed as well as listing possible ways to empower our generation of woman leaders in developing and developed countries. Looking forward to the official launch of The Young Social Entrepreneurs Academy with collaboration with Young Women Social Entrepreneurs, an International organisation based in Washington DC with chapters around the world of which I am the Board chairperson for the South African Branch that aims to empower young women through leadership seminars, conferences and talks ensuring that they are motivated and inspired to lead their social enterprises to the next level in November 2013.

The summit has opened new doors of opportunities for me and has exposed me to a number of business leaders and representatives of multi-national companies of which I foresee collaboration with in the future and knowing that they are there to support the uprising of young women in business and social development with their projects in their respective countries, has made me feel more empowered to be a catalyst for change and motivate more young people to fully engage in leadership development initiatives, workshops, conferences and summits aimed at personal and professional development.

To follow on The Young Social Entrepreneurs Academies proceedings:

LIKE Facebook page www.facebook.com/YSEAcademy

Twitter : @YSEAcademy

Email : info (at) yseacademy.co.za

Read about the Summit articles on :

1. Daily diary on the Summit

http://ilve2leadblogil2lorg.me/2013/06/

2. Young Social Entrepreneurs Academy featured by I Live 2 Lead International

http://ilve2leadblogil2lorg.me/2013/07/01/a-young-social-entrepreneurs-academy-in-south-africa/

3. Ilive2Lead on Georgetown University

http://www.georgetown.edu/news/mcdonough-ilive2read-conference.html

To watch a series of videos i have been featured on during the I live to Lead international Young Womens Leadership Summit :

1. Day 1

2. Day 2

3. Day 3

4. Day 4

5. Call for Action Video: Speak Out against injustice

6. ILive2Lead Official Trailer

23 things to BE DONE instead of getting engaged before you’re 23

Below is a list of 23 things that was drawn up by a professional wanderer, Venessa, and i thought I'd do the ticking off and see what I still need to do. It's an exciting small challenge to begin the year with. As for the "Dating side of things" I'll have to skip.. "Sorry I'm not sorry" - ain't nobody got time for that!

Please enjoy these "23 things to do instead of getting engaged before you’re 23." list drawn up by Venessa, Checked on-out by myself.

1. ~~Get a passport.~~

2. ~~Find your “thing.”~~

3. Make out with a stranger.

4. ~~Adopt a pet.~~

5. Start a band.

6. ~~Make a cake. Make a second cake. Have your cake and eat it too.~~

7. ~~Get a tattoo. It’s more permanent than a marriage.~~

8. ~~Explore a new religion~~.

9. ~~Start a small business.~~

10~~.Cut your hair.~~

11. Date two people at once and see how long it takes to blow up in your face.

12. ~~Build something with your hands.~~

13. Accomplish a Pinterest project.

14. ~~Join the Peace Corps~~.

15. ~~Disappoint your parents.~~

16. ~~Watch GIRLS, over and over again.~~

17. Eat a jar of Nutella in one sitting.

18. Make strangers feel uncomfortable in public places.

19. Sign up for CrossFit.

20. Hangout naked in front of a window.

21. Write your feelings down in a blog.

22. Be selfish.

23. Come with me to the Philippines for Chinese New Year.

Credits to Venessa @wanderonwards for drawing up the list http://www.wanderonwards.com

Okay a few random things not ticked off, but - those i'll definitely pass . Good to know I've done 12/23 from somebody else's to-do-list, not too shabby at all.

Will be sharing my ultimate bucket list for 2014 soon! @zanelemabaso23

My Declaration for Peace in Syria

Over 100,000 people have been killed and 8 million driven from their homes, 2 million of them seeking refuge in neighboring countries, since the conflict first erupted in March 2011 between forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and initially peaceful opponents seeking to oust him.

With a mission led by Professor Åke Sellström probing allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Syria. People of Syria need help and the voices of other people around the world. Especially women and children. It's been said that 2013 was the year in which the Syrian conflict deteriorated beyond all imagination though on the other hand; its been repeatedly noted that 2013 will be remembered as the year in which the world bid a sad but celebratory farewell to the man who became South Africa’s first post-apartheid and democratically elected president with a message of reconciliation for all.

With the Conference set for January 22 2014. Syrian parties need to be called to end the violence and provide humanitarian access and for States and organizations with influence on the Syrian sides to help them prepare for constructive engagement.

About resolving the humanitarian conflict in Syria. United Nations Secretary General Mr Ban declared. “We must make 2014 the year of protecting people – their security, their fundamental rights, their basic well-being.”
He noted that the coming year will be a key period for difficult transitions in Afghanistan and the Arab world, urged Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to show “the leadership and foresight that will at long last produce a comprehensive peace agreement,” and appealed to Government s and the opposition in Ukraine and Thailand to act with restraint and refrain from violence

New efforts need to be revised by peace and reconciliation institutions to ensure the constructive resolution of the conflict happening in our African countries comes to an end.

Is this the future we want to see in the world?

The future is in our hands, right now we call for peace in Syria!

Twitter handle: @zanelemabaso23
Tags: #Syria #FreeSyria2014 #WomenofSyria

Movie Review: Baggage Claim

So, today I set out on a journey to watch "Baggage Claim"... ALONE.
It's just one of those movies I prefer watching by myself, for no particular reason.

The lead actress in this movie was Paula Putton, who plays Montana Moore. Her mother, has been married over 5 times. (How lucky does a woman really get? I have heard many say "twice as lucky" but over 5 times? Lord have mercy). Well lucky her, she was able to live up the trend after her second divorce - anyway! She's not the reason why I'm writing this review.

It's her beloved eldest daughter Montana that caught my attention. Her dire need to find the man of her dreams (as many ladies so call it "soul mate") and desperately wanted to be a bride and not a brides maid - for the 9th time! (Her youngest sister was said to be getting married too, adding more salt to the wound.)

So she met a guy, and as much as she knew exactly what she didn't want - Graham (played by Boris Kodjoe) seemed like the guy of her dreams, the very gentleman that sent shivers down her spine and butterflies about her belly and she sure did hope she would spend the rest of her life with him.
As handsome, charming, successful and as gentle as he seemed, he broke her heart. He riddled his way into making her believe that she was the only woman he had at that time, reminiscing on the past and envisioning the future together with her on a romantic cruise ship - which lead to a rather heated, romantic and steamy scene. Don't ask - I don't know the details - my eyes were closed.

Later on, following the advice from her seemingly promiscuous and "single but always ready to mingle" best friend and colleague Gail (Jill Scott), Montana followed Graham to his apartment and... as it ends up, she learns that he had a companion, to make it worse, they were expecting a child.
I could hear women within the cinema chattering about what an "awful liar and player" he is and I was left thinking - Why do people do that to one another?

Oh well, luckily she was still highly motivated and determined to find a husband. "You don't need a man to define you" her friend Gail said, I could again over hear ladies in the cinema behind me humming in agreement: "uhmm you tell her girl!" and "Yes, you don't!". Funny enough about 95% of the women there had their partners sitting next to them. Thinking about it seems ironic, hense their agreement with the statement. I'd bet the men their dating- to some expert play a role in the way they behave, speak and live their lives (It's just an opinionated thought - no hating)

"Personally, I might not fully know what I want in a man, but i certainly do know what I DON'T want, and that is what matters most."

Knowing what you will NOT settle down for helps with knowing what's right and what's not so right about a frielationship. (friendship to relationship)
Not many women hunt for men as bad as Montana did (maybe they do, but in a more discreet kinda way). However I do know that behind closed doors- women are VULTURES.

"The magic is not in getting married, it's in staying married" - William Wright

mentioned after talking about his mother and father who were married till dead did them part. Derek Luke (William) sure did know what he was talking about. At this point in time during the movie - I assumed that William and Montana would eventually end up getting married, but pretty little Ms Moore searched else where though the man of her dreams who had been friends with her for 25 years was right under her nose. (Don't we all ladies just always fall into that trap)

Montana sets out to meet Damon Diesel (played by Trey Songs). They complement each other. All I was hoping for was that Damon would be the one man to sweep her off her feet. But oh - poor girl got her heart torn into pieces, when the "Crazy Lady" Janine (Tia Mowry) lashes out an unbelievable tantrum when she discovers her younger boyfriend Damon was cheating on her - with the lady from the bar (Montana). So, as Janine continues demanding to be let into the apartment - yes HER apartment where she had been staying with Damon, where Damon had invited Montana and were about to get "Frisky". Deamon revieled to Montanna that the Range Rover he was driving - wasn't his. The apartment - wasn't his. The express airticket card - wasn't his. I'm just thinking: "oh boy..." sadly she spent most of the night out side in the rain hiding from the crazy HULK lady breaking everything and looking for her in the house.

Hear this...she finds her way out, and into a situation where she met both her ex's in the same flight at the same time. Shocking scene isn't it? Well she handled it perfectly well and left with ex number 1. Langson Jr (Taye Diggs) who owned a puppy named Juicy and was running for congress. All i can say right now is: "Juicy...Go pee!"
Sooner than later heard him repeat the saying "Behind every great man, is a great woman" and he continued "But sometimes to be the greater woman, you have to be quiet - she must follow and he must lead" That just rubbed me up the wrong way for some reason. "I wouldn't want them to think you are leading" Like uhm? Okay, get yourself another puppy! Bad dinner date number something!

She calls her friend of 25 years, William Wright, who sacrifices everything for her, to fetch her in Georgetown Washington DC. The moment he pitched up, I yet again felt the connection between the two.

They drove along and she fell asleep on his chest whilst he was driving, before we know it, A song which they both danced to during their prom night when they were in high school turned up, Remarkably, they both still remembered the moves and it was just the prefect scene. William is a keeper right? Syc! She was having
a dream.

The way a woman keeps her kitchen is the way she keeps her man?

Those "wise" words came from her mother. True or false? Because if it is true, I better stop leaving the dishes in the sink for so long before i wash them. (Eeeuw, what does that even mean!)
I usually say a man that doesn't eat sushi or doesn't know how to use chop sticks..is not worth keeping. (I can barely use chop sticks myself dammit! - But that's not the point - Haha - Anyway.)

As the old tale goes, she meets yet another man, who reveals: "You can never have too much of a good thing" he said. My mother would always say "Too much of a good thing is bad" - and I still believe her.

Junk food topped with lots of candy almost killed me during my teenage years.

"I'm taking some time off to journey the world. I'd love for you to come with me." That's a line I wish to hear in my lifetime (or maybe say to someone - rather). "If you need marriage, you need to find somebody that needs it too." Best line every I guess.

Lesson number 1: A perfect guy doesn't exist. Don't burden yourself looking for him becasue you will miss out on the very small things infront of you in the interim.
Lesson number 2: Don't do things you don't want to do simply because you want to make the other person comfortable - yet you're not. (Well in other situations, this could be the best option to opt for, but in case you thinking of settling down, rather choose carefully, than spare the rest of your life living with regret.)

Funny how Montana speaks like she's intoxicated. She had to give an announcement at her sister Tanya (La La) and fiance (Terrance J's) engagement party. She said "Love yourself with or without a husband. If you are really inlove with your man and cannot live a single day without him. By all means get married, but if you are making the deceison of getting married for any other reason, then you are making the worst decision of your life." Luckily little sister Tanya, took her older sisters advice and together with her fiance decided to wait.

Thereafter listening to Montana's mother break down about her first marriage to her late husband and the true love they shared, the entire scene just sent a stream of tears down my cheeks. The music playing in the background had no justice either, the combination (of the music, the words and characters) evoked a great sence of emotion and I cried silently during the scene.

Calling from outside, standing besides his flashy car, hotel owner and successful business mogul Quinton (Djimon Hounsou) calls out for Montana's attention. Montana looks down through the window but realising that William Wright is the man that she actually want to spend the rest of her life with, tells Quinton: "I want more than expensive gifts and extravagant trips. I want a life time. As silly as this may sound...I wont settle for anything less." after a moment of silent and realization, he gently responded: "As silly as this may sound ...I don't think you should."
Oh Romeo and Juliet ain't got nothin' on this! Haha!

Honestly though, there was a scene before that were Montana, Gail and Sam (played by Adam Brody) were together opening gifts from William Wright addressed to Montana, where I was like "Oh hell no - Adam Brody should NOT have been given a gay character!" It was awkwardingly funny and just plain weird.

Then the race to Paris (the most romantic destination for a couple to spend time together at) was on. The running around to get to the airport on time for the flight reminded me of how I personally ran around the airport after landing in Frankfurt, Germany on route to take a flight to Paris and... missed my flight. Sadly there was no William Wright waiting to propose to me at the terminal departure gates - But Montana found her husband.

And they lived happily ever after (We hope.) What a beautiful Movie!

Here is a sneak peak containing the official trailer for Baggage Claim, a must watch I tell you. Watch and learn ladies (and gentlemen). Enjoy :-)

Sharing my all time favorite movies with you! On "Movie Reviews with Zanele Mabaso." :-)
Twitter : @zanelemabaso23

Being Mr/Ms Stingy

Being Mr/Ms Stingy in the networking world might not come with great complications, but sure does come with karma.

As many of us dread networking session and introducing ourselves to a massive audience that consists of unfamiliar faces, networking is a successful marketing strategy to use, especially for business owners, company representatives and yourself.

When it comes to networking it is important to network for the right reasons, which will ensure that you get a positive outcome from the engagement and know what you will utilize the information and contacts you get, to improve yourself, your business and others in the long run.

You don’t have a clear vision about what you want out of the contacts you create, you will be stuck in what you know and what you have , which will ultimately automatically limit your chances for creating a bigger and more trusted network, and relatively seal in your chances of attaining and achieving.

As much as networking is a skill, networking is a lifestyle

With networking being an action that happens progressively on a daily basis either formally or informally in different setting, places and occurrences. As much as the contacts you get are useful for you, it’s important to share. Sharing of contacts is not only an act of kindness but an opportunity for both yourself, the candidate you are sharing the contact with and the contact it's self. Lesson: Be willing to give, even if you won't get anything in return, a kind gesture goes a long way.

With each person you meet, there are associations, groups and clubs they are part of that consist of powerful and effective people within their networks. Though some might not have the opportunity of meeting the same people that you meet within your circles, it's good business to share those contacts with those you believe might uitilise to better their business and personal goals. Lesson: Be willing to share your contacts, knowledge and relevant information with others

'It’s not about who you know, but who knows you.' - Zanele

Keeping a relationship with your contacts
Maintaining your relationship with your contacts and following up on them after networking sessions helps with remembering who you are, and having you play a role in their engagements. When you share contacts, it makes it easier for the primary contact to remember who you are when referenced by the retriever of the contact. Being in the mind of your contacts not only paves way for first priority when it comes to referencing but it is good for business, it's not about who you know, its about who knows you.

Have a strategy
Some of us have trouble with keeping up with contacts after our networking engagements. to avoid having hundreds of business cards where you do not remember 75% of the peoples faces associated with it after networking, it is important to have a strategy. Besides sending emails of acknowledgement (keep the emails short, 250 characters is long enough) disclosing your engagement and possibly schedule an appointment to meet.
Usually due to over crowded schedules for work, one might not get the time they require with the individual they wish to follow up on, but setting a 30 minute coffee break during the week to learn more about the associate is a good strategy. not forgetting the 72 hours rule to following up, 3 days is the best time to communicate with your contacts, after 3 days, they might not remember you and they might have set new agendas for themselves. So keep that 3 day rule in mind.

Understand the power of other peoples networks

With each person you meet, there are associations and groups they are part of that consist of powerful and effective people within their networks.

It is important to understand the power of other peoples networks as the contacts they have could be highly influential to not only yourself but your acquaintances as well.
Yet again, Don't be Mr or Ms Stingy when it comes to sharing contacts. Let your guard down and spread the network and circles. Lesson: You get what you give in.

Twitter: @zanelemabaso23

PS: Don't be Mr Stingy! ;-)

The One Young World Experience

The 4th One young world Summit held in Johannesburg was a tremendous success!

Through the exceptional plenary sessions with various industry leaders from global business, entrepreneurship, civil society to government and recreation (sports). The information and experiences shared were uplifting and certainly inspiring and motivating. engaging in open dialogue discussions on socio-economic issues such as: Sustainable Development, Youth Unemployment, Education, Global Business, Leadership and Governance, Human rights and amongst a few others transparency and integrity.

One of my favorite sessions (well, there were countless, to be honest) but one that stood out and resonated with me the most was the session with the phenomenal Dr Mohammed Yunu's on Social Business. I founded the Young Social Entrepreneurs Academy, a start-up pan-African social enterprise in November 2012, close to a year now. When I did, I had a vision, a vision that consisted of ideas, inventions and creative illustrations driven by my imagination...a vision I believed nobody else in the world would ever have. The vision manifested each day, which involved the planning of new strategies, evaluation of goals and objectives and the creation of a propelling mission statement and plan of action. All that still exists and with Dr Yunu's talk during the opening ceremony held at Soccer City with over 1200 delegates from 190 countries around the world. Realized right then - that all the delegates that flew from all over the world to be together in Johannesburg for that particular week, also had visions of a greater future and even more different than the vision I had. Everyone had ideas, innovations,goals, ambitions and set objectives they wanted to accomplish...all in all we all share the same vision, and that was - to change the world. To visualize a world that we want to see, and create it for our generation and the next generation to come.

Now, being a young and emerging social entrepreneur, getting words of encouragement from an experienced professional in the field of social entrepreneurship is always exciting and daring. Mohammed Yunu's shared how social business is rapidly changing communities and providing a better life for all, also inspiring delegates to think about the eradication of poverty and ensuring that we live with the motto "impossible is nothing" , by reiterating "We can make the impossible - possible." Well - that gave me a leap of faith to hold on to and practice right after the summit.
In addressing pressing socio-economic challenges, Kofi Annan reassured us that indeed - "We have the knowledge, resources and capabilities to overcome these challenges" He continued by saying, what was needed to make the change happen, with ensuring that our voices are heard was: "effective political leaders and effective democratic institutions.." (Well done to the launch of the "School of Government" in South Africa, weeks after the One Young World summit, that replaced the Public Administration and Leadership Academy, Such an institution hopefully aims to achieve that and many other goals and contribute to social and political governance, leadership and the advocacy sectors. )
Bob Geldon, an icon that many look up to was as assertive as always and like anybody else would say, if you really want to get things done "Go on with it, get sh*t done"

Besides the plenary sessions, the summit had an official welcome, where all the individuals who helped with making the summit a success were welcomed and thanked, including the Councillors and a message from keynote speakers and the major of the City of Johannesburg was delivered. Later on, were performances from the Soweto Gospel Choir joined by song bird and South Africa's very own internationally renounced singing sensation:Lira, who blessing the masses with her hit single "Feel good" (oh, we certainly did FEEL GOOD alright!).

The South African Sasol Orchestral played a tune and what an atoning group those young fellows are, they owned the instruments and delivered a ground breaking performance. I remember thinking "they should definitely be invited to the presidents inauguration next time" (oh well - anything to showcase their talents of course.). The various schools that were invited to the ceremony that consisted of 8000 pupils from schools in Soweto, enjoyed themselves at the stadium - and thanks to the 2010 World Cup that was hosted in our national grounds- when you bring "South Africans" and "Stadium" together - you get "Vuvuzelas", and those could be heard throughout the proceedings of the opening delivery. Well enough- Kate Robertson and David Jones knew how to keep them silent. Everybody sure did have a joyfully fantastic time. (If you missed it, the video's above)

The break through sessions were held in different communities across Gauteng, addressing pressing socio-economic challenges and strategically finding new ways of steering change within existing and possibly potentially new systems that exist around the world. Furthermore, I must say the networking sessions were used to my best benefit, I got the opportunity to engage in open discussions with young leaders from around the world, doing amazing things in their countries of residence. Happy to say, I believe, I have new friends from over 100 countries who share the same ambitions and global vision as myself. As much as collaboration was on of the most reiterated topic during the duration of the summit, collaborations, merging and creation of new projects has since elevated after the summit. Young leaders are keeping in contact through the summit's Facebook group with over 800 members, created by One Young World Ambassadors.

Well, there is a lot else that happened that you can reflect on by following One Young World on Twitter and to watch the videos posted on the summit, there are more videos on One Young World Youtube Channel and www.oneyoungworld.com

The last day was filled with excitement and with Winnie Mandela being present and delivering a keynote speech on the history, present and future of South Africa and the possibles there are for determined young people with the drive, zeal, commitment and motivation to succeed - changing the world is set to be done. Having had a session on "knowing Nelson Mandela" with leaders that knew him well. Winnie's presence was certainly eye-opening and inspirational for all who listened in and chanted "Amandla!" at the end of her speech, which is a Xhosa and Zulu word, when translated - means "power" - the word is still associated with struggles against oppression, however at that very moment, the chant signified unity! With youth from around the world in one dignified space, we certainly were unified and formed - a One Young World!

In closing, The 5th annual One Young World Summit will be happening in Dublin, Ireland in 2014.

Thanks to Brand South Africa for sponsoring myself and 3 other exceptional young leaders making a difference in our homes, communities and greater societies. Hopefully at some point our impacts will not only shape our economy one day, but transform the rest of the world!

Read more about the Summit, Delegates and Brand South Africa Press Releases here:

Zanele Mabaso
One Young World Ambassador
Twitter : @zanelemabaso23
Facebook: www.facebook.com/zanelemabaso23