BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – Students at Sifundzane High School were challenged to take ownership of their lives, embrace their individuality and prepare themselves for opportunities during an International Youth Day panel discussion hosted by the African Union under the theme “Power through collective belief”.
Speaking to the students, Dr Thokazani Nkambule, Managing Director of Lidwala Insurance Company, delivered a message centred on self-belief, continuous learning, personal responsibility and the importance of living in the present.
Dr Nkambule began by encouraging the students to recognise their own worth, leading them in a powerful affirmation: “I am enough.”
He explained that young people are often made to feel inadequate by their surroundings, whether through pressure from friends, parents, teachers or society.
He encouraged students to remain comfortable in their own skin and avoid becoming replicas of other people.
“We need original people in this life,” Dr Nkambule said, encouraging learners to embrace who they are and remain unapologetic about their individuality.
He also cautioned young people against becoming trapped between their past and their future.
According to Dr Nkambule, young people often spend too much time looking back at mistakes or worrying about what the future will bring, ultimately missing the opportunities available to them in the present.
He encouraged the students to appreciate their current stage of life, reminding them that their circumstances will change as they grow older and enter the working world.
The insurance executive further challenged the students to take responsibility for the direction of their lives.
“No one owes you anything,” he said, urging the learners to take charge of their choices rather than waiting for parents, government or society to create their success for them.
Dr Nkambule later addressed the question of why some young people feel powerless despite constantly being described as the leaders of tomorrow.
He argued that while institutions and governments have a responsibility to create opportunities and pathways for young people, individuals must also equip themselves to take advantage of those opportunities.
He stressed the importance of preparation, discipline and determination, saying that young people should actively pursue opportunities rather than expect them to arrive effortlessly.
“Life is a treasure hunt,” he said, encouraging students to search for opportunities and remain committed to their goals.
Dr Nkambule also urged learners to think beyond Eswatini and view themselves as global citizens, encouraging them to explore opportunities to learn, work and grow beyond the country’s borders.
His message ultimately placed the power of personal transformation in the hands of young people while acknowledging that supportive systems and opportunities remain essential.
For the students of Sifundzane High School, his message was clear: believe in yourself, prepare yourself and take responsibility for the future you want to create.
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