Re.think Leadership

Re.think Leadership is youth leadership program which has been created so as to address the need for the development of young leaders within the greater Cape Town community (and South Africa as a whole).

The organisation has been formed through the collaborative efforts of a group of young adults, who have been working together in community based activities, both in South Africa and internationally, since 2001. Their previous work includes, but is not limited to, dialogue and interactive activities relating to issues of peace, violence, interfaith collaboration, gender, equality, racism, privilege and social responsibility.

Mission statement

As a group of young, dedicated and passionate South Africans, we aim to promote dialogue across boundaries existing in contemporary South African society and encourage youth leadership; with the understanding that it is through personal development that broader community development is accomplished. We aim to unite young South Africans in youth programmes that explore identity, transformation, social change, and social justice; with the ultimate goal of creating a diverse network that collectively engages in development initiatives and outreach.

Case Statement:
Why is there a need for dialogue?
  • To break-down prejudices which arise from the lack of integration between communities
  • Diversity is a social asset and connections across boundaries are valuable
  •  To build relationships and meaningful bonds
  • To share skills and mobilise resources across diverse communities for collaborative projects
Why is there a need for the development of young leaders in Cape Town?
  • The voice of the youth is often lost in development initiatives. It is therefore important to harness this resource
  • Leadership is neglected in formal education and the youth are not afforded sufficient opportunities to engage in this important form of education
  • These skills are vital in numerous disciplines and contexts, and viable leaders are critical to the overall development of South Africa
  • The youth are in a process of formulating and cementing their identity and so are best poised to facilitate the process of change in various communities
  • The need for change exists because of the injustices of the past and the entrenched inequalities that exist in the South African context, arising from the Apartheid legacy

The organisation launched its annual flagship program during December 2009. The program involved a residential camp program as well as a longer term follow-up program. The program focuses on working with young adults from various communities in Cape Town, focussing primarily on South African issues.