Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
CHIEF Mbusi Dakamela of Nkayi has challenged emerging leaders to embrace Ubuntu, ethical leadership and progressive thinking, saying the values are essential in building cohesive communities and driving meaningful social transformation.
He made the remarks while delivering the keynote address as Guest of Honour at the 2026 Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Youth Leadership Training Programme Graduation Ceremony held in Harare recently.
Chief Dakamela said the graduates had the potential to shape Zimbabwe’s future and should use their leadership positions to promote unity, integrity and the well-being of their communities.
He emphasised that while innovation and forward-thinking were important in addressing contemporary challenges, these should be anchored in the principles of Ubuntu, which promote humanity, compassion and collective responsibility.
“The young people who graduated are the future leaders of the nation. Being chosen to be part of the programme is a sign that they have so much potential to play a key role in our communities.
“In whatever they implement in their communities, I encourage them to embrace Ubuntu values because they are the basics of mankind,” he said.
Chief Dakamela expressed gratitude to FES Zimbabwe for the invitation, acknowledging the organisation’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of ethical and visionary leaders.
He also recognised the presence of the German Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Christoph Retzlaff, who attended the ceremony as Special Guest.
The traditional leader extended his appreciation to FES Zimbabwe Country Director Thilo Schone and Programmes Manager Ntando Dumani for their role in developing young leaders.
He congratulated the FES Youth Leadership Class of 2026, urging the graduates to remain grounded in their values, lead with integrity and translate their aspirations into tangible benefits for their communities.
The graduation marked the culmination of the six-month Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP), an initiative designed to equip young Zimbabweans with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to contribute to the country’s social, economic and political development.
The programme targets 20 young people aged between 20 and 35 who demonstrate leadership potential, uphold democratic values and actively engage in addressing societal challenges.
Participants are drawn from political organisations, trade unions and civil society, with young women also encouraged to participate.
Through training, dialogue and engagement with people from diverse backgrounds, the initiative promotes critical thinking, tolerance, cooperation and democratic participation.
It also provides a platform for young people to exchange ideas, examine challenges affecting their communities and develop collective solutions.
Ultimately, the programme seeks to build a network of progressive and socially conscious leaders capable of championing positive change and contributing to a more inclusive and democratic Zimbabwe.
