The Power of the First "Yes"

I joined AfriNextGen-Magazine because a member of World Pulse (Lyla Wang) vouched for me to another member (Taylor Shandukani), but more because the mission resonated with my vision for Africa. I have always dreamt of a fair Africa where the youth get the exposure they deserve while working to improve Africa through innovation and entrepreneurship. Sadly, visibility doesn't just happen, and if it does, it is mostly because a hefty price was paid; but with AfriNextGen-Magazine, no voice was small—all were equal—hence giving each youth a chance to share their vision for Africa, openly and at no cost.

​I joined the team as an Editor and Blogger. There are no monetary gains at the moment, but the voices that get amplified mean more to me. I refer to the magazine as the "voice in Africa for Africans." It fulfils me knowing someone feels heard, seen, and appreciated in their fields. Growing together has been the backbone of the magazine.

​I feel appreciated as well, having those meetings on evaluating the best way forward, rethinking the magazine, structuring the calendars, and generally co-working with the builders who believe that the magazine will achieve and visualise its vision for Africa—where youth are heard and given a fair ground to thrive in.

​We held an event recently, "Building Beyond Borders," in collaboration with the Ngcono Mbowane Foundation. Our keynote speaker, Lebogang Zulu, emphasised that legacy is not inherited—it is engineered—and that the future belongs to those who prepare before they depart. Such events act as eye-openers; they give people the motivation to dream and dream boldly because their dreams are valid.

​Panellists emphasised the value of mentorship, motivation, and refusing to inherit limitations based on other people's success. Own your success story and go for everything you believe in; it is achievable. Patience, a hunger for success, and persistence are the deal-breakers—you can and you will. I am at peace because my contributions to the magazine impact society; it is a reminder that the dreamers are not alone and that they can achieve anything, and that their voices and contributions are relevant. They just have to keep going.

​I also joined Edith Ijeh recently, who is looking for co-creators of a book, "The Handbook of the Girl Child," which is meant to act as a blueprint for the girl child. The book is meant to guide and not dictate how the girl child should live; it is not meant to be written on our beliefs or experiences, but rather based on research.

​I not only want to help with research and co-writing but also with going out to illustrate what is in the book—where they learn, ask questions, and generally feel like the girls they are. This book will go a long way in impacting the girl child, and I will urge us to help her on this global call because we survived so that generations will thrive through us—not by following our footsteps, but by being guided in their own paths. Empowering the girl child is securing the future that is filled with uncertainties.