Young academics urged to acquire leadership qualities
YOUNG academically-qualified Zimbabweans have been urged to acquire all the leadership qualities needed for complementing Government efforts as well as developing talents that go beyond credentials.
This came out during the Zimbabwe Science Leadership workshop that ended yesterday, where the use of knowledge to address contemporary social concerns and develop future scientific leaders within Africa took centre-stage.
The workshop was attended by experts from the media, medical fields, political scientists and academia.
Speaking at the workshop, Herald Editor Victoria Ruzvidzo challenged young leaders to take advantage of their exposure to local and global trends and help shape Zimbabwe’s future and that of the African continent at large.
“You are advantaged in that you are exposed to leadership training at a young age. Zimbabwe and the continent at large need young leaders who can help transform and shape economies and general livelihoods,” she said.
Sharing her leadership journey, Mrs Ruzvidzo said it had been both challenging and exciting. Her journey was a blend of determination, hard work and the desire to break gender stereotypes that women were not capable.
She said despite some real challenges she had to deal with, support from her bosses and colleagues had seen her through. Mrs Ruzvidzo said to be successful leaders, youths needed to be more determined and focused in their journey to the top.
“Leadership is not easy and does not come easily. It takes a lot of hard work, determination and the drive to succeed.
“So as young people, accounting for more than 60 percent of the population, you need to rise above barriers and take your position in transforming Africa’s potential into reality.
The advent of new technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, meant that the youth needed to step up to the plate and remain relevant in the development discourse.
Political scientist and international relations expert Dr Norman Pinduka said: “This is one of the best workshops I have ever attended in terms of leadership as it is a programme that was approached from a trans-disciplinary approach.
“We had a chance to interact with different people from different fields, which is important in moulding quality leaders that will aid in reshaping Africa as a power house tomorrow.”
University of Zimbabwe lecturer Mrs Svitsai Chalonda weighed in saying the initiative would bring new ideas as well as complement the heritage-based Education 5.0 model.
“This programme has been an eye-opener in different ways that we deliver in our teachings and learning in the different institutions on how we can foster the generation of new ideas to champion Education 5.0, making sure that students stay stimulated and motivated to drum up new ideas,” she said.