SABC chief executive officer Madoda Mxakwe has urged young people to be patient and remain focused as they pursue their careers and not rush to hog the limelight before mastering their respective professions.
He said this when he delivered the keynote address at the Central University of Technology (CUT) 2022 Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Free State institution’s Welkom campus this week.
The university quotes Mxakwe, who spoke on leadership, as saying it was important to build a strong foundation and support system in order to grow professionally.
“I know I’m talking mostly to a generation that wants things instantaneously, everything has to be now, but this model of success does not last,” said Mxakwe, who is also a CUT alumnus.
“In my own journey I’ve found that you will be nurtured and hidden for many years before being unleashed into prominence or popularity.
“Young people need to know this . . . you need to build your character, fortify your faith, create shock absorbers for all of life’s challenges that you will inevitably encounter.
“That’s why it’s important, particularly in the corporate sector . . . we want people that have been able to build key core functional capabilities.
“We live in what is now being called the vocal world and in order to thrive in that world we need professionals and executives that have been properly equipped to deal with these problems.”
Mxakwe encouraged the graduates to ask themselves “what more can they give” which will help separate them from any other graduate in their field.
“People say opportunity loves preparation. When it comes to preparation, even in the fields you have no clue about you have to be the most prepared and well-read person in the room because you just never know when that opportunity will come to you,” he said.
“One of the best characteristics of a secure, mature and strong leader is to surround yourself with people that know better that you do.
“If you really want to build a legacy that will uplift this and the next generation, you have to build things that will take the community, your career and our country to the next level.
“In this country we need people of solid values, so what should direct you is your moral compass.
“Integrity is key for where we are and where we’re going as a country.” – Staff Reporter