For the past 13 weeks, 18:30 – 19:30 on a Tuesday evening has been the most exciting one-hour in my television viewing life.
One Day Leader for me has been the best thing that could’ve ever happened to the SABC. Yes... better than Intersexions.
Last night, in the presence of Juju,
Lesley Masibi was crowned SA’s One Day Leader.
We congratulate Lesley and the One Day Leader team and of course we look forward to Season 2. A lot of people have had a lot to say especially on the show’s Facebook page regarding the Lesley victory. He might have been a Coke and people might have voted for him perhaps because of his brand even if they perhaps preferred Pepsi, but the bottom line is, he held his own. He might have been popular yes, and people might have followed his popularity... but he didn’t just ride on the popularity – he worked hard and he made sense when he spoke.
Lesley is a passionate young man and all through the 13 weeks, mina I don’t remember him being shy or failing to portray that passion. The show had brilliant candidates and all the three finalists deserved to be standing there last night.
Their final task was to deliver on something for the community of Diepsloot come up with a sustainable idea within a particular budget and run a project for the people of Diepsloot. Though Ayanda’s idea of a cleanup and recycle campaign won that challenge, Lesley used the “Think Big” strategy and pitched for developing sports grounds for the people of Diepsloot. He didn’t only think of what the budget allowed but he contacted the office of the minister of sports and the grounds were cleared. Furthermore, he had to throw his leadership weight behind Ayanda on her project and he did. Very much unlike Zwelethu who went on a sulking mode because his backyard gardening idea hadn’t been chosen. He mentioned how the cleanup campaign was short-sighted and that the people of Diepsloot would need to be pushed again to keep cleaning up. I am not sure how that differs from backyard gardening.
Zwelethu Kos
In any case, we congratulate all three finalists and we wish them the best in everything that they do. Also, like Juju said, we hope that all the young people who took part in this (including Johan) were not just doing it for the cameras but they will continue to participate in the development of their communities.
What was different about this show was that it wasn’t only inspiring to watch, it probed action too. It’s true that, it takes a community to raise a child – i believe that it also takes a child to raise a community... and these young people have proved that. Now it is time for South Africa to take over the vision and apply it in their own communities. Anyone can be a community leader – all it takes is passion, responsibility and commitment. It is just that in the society that we live in today, each person is mostly concerned about self. Every person wants to be great in their own way and be rewarded for it. Our dreams are just about making money and being recognised. We “don’t have time” to go back to our communities and we think that donating a few thousand rands to a deaf school once in a while qualifies as “giving back”. People in communities need motivation. Unfortunately writing a book and selling it for R149.00 a copy doesn’t qualify as active motivation for our communities either.
Lesley says “
i dream of a South Africa that will be governed by the rule of law and the respect that law.” He adds, “
my purpose is to empower and encourage young people to take responsibility for their lives” and this is the vision that has made me press and re-press that button that said “press here to vote for Lesley on onedayleader.mobi. Literally, I would sit there the entire time going click, exit browser, click, exit browser, click. Yes, I did.
Now, The only concern is that South Africa is governed by political parties and one can’t just be a leader without being attached to one. First thing Lesley will be presented with a membership form, armed with a membership card and expected to go around representing some mandate and screaming revolutionary what what. We just pray that the young man will have a backbone and that he can be protected somehow.
The prize, as I remember it, includes an internship in the office of the NYDA, a trip to visit a South African Ambassador in the country of Lesley's choice, a day spent with the State President, a R70 000 budget to spend on a project in a community of Lesley's choice, and all finalists got a cash prize of R20 000.
All the best, Les... we are happy for you...andy the good Lord protect you and strengthen you.