Editorial
Just last Friday I took my niece, who recently turned 14, for tea and cake after school and soon got into deep discussions of what she wants to do after school. Being a star performer, she mentioned a few careers she might be interested in and then quickly added, ‘Well, it needs to be something that AI can’t do!’ Of course, we’ve all heard that statement before, but coming from her young mouth really made me think.
When we millennials (although considered digital natives) had to choose a career, in comparison to the today youth, we just kind of followed our heart and our careers evolved over the years to where we are today. Thankfully my niece doesn’t seem to be too fazed about it, but the reality is the youth today do face a new facet of challenges to navigate and therefore need all the support they can get from family and mentors.
It’s really inspiring to read how Rekgotsofetse Ledwaba’s sisters played such a pivotal role in his life in term of helping and guiding him with his career choice which just shows how important it is for family and friend to keeps encouraging youngsters to not lose sight of their dreams.
And I pull out Dr Letebele Mphahlele’s article ‘Young and driven, but going where?’ (on page 22) and how it has been pieced together with various thought-provoking perspectives for a young person to picture where they would like their life to be 20 years from now. She writes: ‘To make decisions that reflect your ideal life, you must be clear about your values and apply them as signposts. While you may not know what your job might be at age 40, knowing your values will help you determine what you stand for, the impact you want to achieve and the kind of life you want to build. So, what values will help you live out your vision? Who do you want to be?’ Whatever your age, it’s definitely worth a read and may leave you putting your life into a new perspective.
This issue is filled to the brim with incredible young people who are being true Difference Makers.
And to all the youngsters out there who under the age of 35, we celebrate YOU! May you become all you dream to be.
Envision it and you can achieve it!
LYNN GRALA
Acting Editor: Accountancy SA
