BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE — Tomorrow has always sounded like the safest place to put responsibility. But for Siyamthanda Dlamini, tomorrow is not a plan, it is a delay.
The Baha’i High School pupil has challenged young people to stop waiting for “their time” and recognise that the time to create change is already here.
Speaking on the Municipal Council of Mbabane’s Mic Drop Monday platform, Dlamini centred his message on the thought-provoking topic, “If not now, then when? If not us, then who?”, calling on young people to take responsibility and become active participants in shaping their communities and the future of Eswatini.
My time is now
Dlamini said the topic goes beyond being a question, describing it as a catalyst capable of changing how young people view their role in society.
He argued that instead of believing that “my time will come”, young people should adopt the mindset that “my time is now.”
“The challenges we see today will not wait for us, young people, to grow. They simply need people who are willing to step in and take charge,” he said.
According to Dlamini, meaningful leadership begins with personal responsibility. He urged young people to first take ownership of their actions, choices and personal development before attempting to influence wider society.
Turning voices into action
The young speaker also highlighted the power of technology and social media as tools that can help young people participate in conversations about issues affecting their communities.
He said young people could use digital platforms to raise awareness about climate action, children’s rights, environmental conservation, discrimination and other social challenges.
However, Dlamini cautioned that posting about problems is not enough.
“Real change is when we turn our words into action,” he said.
He proposed that young people and the Municipal Council of Mbabane work together on a youth-led innovation initiative that could provide practical opportunities for community involvement.
From ideas to impact
Dlamini suggested activities such as community clean-ups, tree planting programmes, donation drives, awareness campaigns and expanded volunteer opportunities as possible ways for young people to contribute.
He linked these actions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, arguing that young people can help transform global ambitions into visible change within their own communities.
The pupil also applauded the Municipal Council of Mbabane for its involvement in the Global Leaders in Action programme, which provides high school students with opportunities to participate in community service and develop leadership skills.
He highlighted the participation of students from Mbabane in the programme in Fort Worth, Texas, saying the experience demonstrated the opportunities available when young people are given platforms to lead.
Leaders of today
Dlamini’s message ultimately challenged the familiar idea that young people are simply the leaders of tomorrow.
He argued that their decisions, voices and actions today are already influencing the direction of their communities and the world.
Quoting former United States president Barack Obama, Dlamini reminded young people that change does not happen by waiting for someone else to act.
He closed by returning to the question that framed his entire speech: “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
For Dlamini, the answer is clear — young people cannot afford to wait for the future to arrive before they begin building it.
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(Courtesy Pic)
