The Global Shapers Community is a network of hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities. Ramphele was invited to speak to the Global Shapers on one of the key pillars of this year's WEF meeting - 'Unlocking Africa's Talent'.
"In too many parts of Africa, young people are so disillusioned with the behaviour of their leaders in government manifesting as greed that characterizes politics that they have either withdrawn from public life or remained cynical on the margins of public life," said Ramphele. "Here in South Africa, we have the same problem. When apartheid ended, we under-estimated what it would take to change from being the subjects of undemocratic governments, denied the right to make our own choices, to becoming citizens of a stable constitutional democracy."
"But it is only by becoming active citizens, by looking to ourselves for solutions to the problems that affect our communities and by holding those in power accountable for their promises and actions, that we can take the step from passive subjects to active citizens and reclaim control over our lives," she continued.
Ramphele spoke about the shared vision of her generation to improve on their lives, and the similarity in the ideas drawing together today's younger generation to become active. Remembering her first social innovation project, a rural community health centre in eZinyoka, outside King Williamstown, she talked about returning there a few years ago to find an ongoing need for intervention, given the dysfunctional public health system, due to lack of government investment and accountability.
She told the young leaders that citizen action is needed to support the communities suffering from the misuse of funds or mismanagement of resources. Referring to several innovations across the continent, many driven by developments in ICT, Ramphele encouraged the audience to work tirelessly for the cause they believe in.
She closed by telling the leaders: "Make the very most of your time together, be on your feet from morning to night and when you return home share your experiences. Your leadership will inspire those around you."
