He dreams of becoming the next President

Daveyton resident Kwandile Sikhosana is excited about developing his skills in London.

Kwandile Sikhosana will attend the Young Diplomats Forum (YDF), in July, to enhance his leadership skills.

Sikhosana will attend the Young Diplomats Forum (YDF), in July, to develop his skills and knowledge in areas around international affairs.

The YDF is set up to recognise, enhance and develop the next generation of diplomats.

These future leaders will gain further insight, tools and opportunities to engage with key stakeholders at a crucial time in their careers, and broaden their connections to influence global leaders.

Sikhosana said that, in order to be part of the YDF, participants need to submit a personal statement telling the forum about themselves, their interests and future plans.

“The board will then choose the best entries and inform you within three weeks,” he added.

Sikhosana has always known that he was destined to be a leader.

Growing up in a township has nurtured his spirit of leadership from a young age.

“Growing up in Daveyton has moulded me into the person I am today,” he said.

“I have taken it upon myself to be a representative of a new breed of individuals that come from townships.”

Sikhosana believes the forum will broaden his horizons regarding modern diplomacy.

“I will get to learn about government engagement with non-estate actors, including economic statecraft, global development and good governance,” he said.

He added that, during the forum, he will equip himself with skills and knowledge that he will bring back to his community.

At just 24, Sikhosana is also the founder and chairperson of the Daveyton Book Club.

“The book club is an institution that exists to liberate and advocate education both indirectly and directly,” he explained.

The club teaches community members how to read and also grooms youngsters to become authors.

With his spirit of leadership, the University of South Africa LLB student wants to be the next President of South Africa.

When asked what he would do if he could become President, he said: “My main focus is to give people their democratic power back, which is to be heard and have their views represented through their elected political party.

”My goal would be emphasising the need for people to know of all governmental opportunities and take it upon themselves to better their lives.”

With his eagerness to share knowledge with other young people, Sikhosana plans to conduct workshops in order to groom and help those who want to make a difference in their lives.

Sikhosana still needs funding for a visa and spending money in London.