“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela.
South Africa stands at a defining moment. With the youth unemployment rate at 45.5-percent, political and economic uncertainty continue to widen inequality. With ethical servant leadership in short supply, the future of the country depends on who steps up next. South Africa faces urgent questions about its future, but if history has shown us anything, it’s that when young people take the lead, transformation follows.
This is the driving force behind the AECI Future Leaders Challenge—a bold, forward-thinking initiative designed to equip young South Africans with the leadership skills and ethical foundations needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
The AECI Future Leaders Challenge is more than a programme; it’s a national movement to cultivate the leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators who will shape the country’s next chapter.
Despite their talent, ambition, and resilience, millions of young South Africans remain locked out of opportunity. Leadership in business, government, and communities cannot afford to be left to chance.
In line with its ethos of “We are One AECI for a Better World,” AECI, with Primestars and The YouthStart Foundation as implementing partners, has launched this high-impact servant leadership programme.
With South Africa facing a critical shortage of ethical, innovative, and solutions-driven servant leadership, programmes like the AECI Future Leaders Challenge offer a proven blueprint for change.
On 7 March 2025 at the Ster-Kinekor complex in Rosebank, the AECI Future Leaders Challenge kicked off with the premiere of Future Leaders—a groundbreaking edutainment feature film that turns cinemas into classrooms and storytelling into a call to action.
Produced by award-winning production house Coal Stove Pictures, the 75-minute film follows the journeys of young South Africans as they navigate the real-world challenges of leadership—demonstrating that leadership is not about power, but about purpose, service, and action.
The film features an all-star South African cast, including Wandile Molebatsi, Leanne Manas, Luversen Gerard, and Phumzile Kubeka, as well as rising stars Khensani Chauke and Ngwedi Ramphele.
At the heart of this programme is a simple but powerful message: Leadership is not inherited; it is cultivated. The programme content embeds 12 globally recognised leadership principles, including leading with integrity, celebrating diversity, and developing emotional intelligence—critical skills for a generation that will shape South Africa’s future.
Beyond the Film: Real-World Leadership in Action
The true impact of the programme goes far beyond the big screen.
Through an innovative dual-model approach, the AECI Future Leaders Challenge is reaching thousands of high school learners across five provinces:
• Cinematic Leadership Experience – Schools transport learners to cinemas, where they receive an immersive leadership education experience.
• In-School Screenings – For schools beyond cinema reach, the film is brought to them, ensuring no learner is left behind.
But watching a film is just the beginning. The real transformation happens when these learners step up and take action.
The Leadership Challenge: Turning Knowledge into Power
Learners will be challenged to apply their leadership skills to real-world problems within their communities.
• Community-Based Leadership Projects – Participants will design and implement initiatives that create measurable change.
• The Leadership Competition – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an intensive leadership bootcamp in Gauteng, leading up to a high-profile awards ceremony where top performers will be awarded:
o Mentorship opportunities
o Bursaries
o Work experience placements
o Funding and training
This is not a once-off event—AECI is committed to making the Future Leaders Challenge a long-term, scalable programme that invites other corporates and stakeholders to invest in the leadership pipeline of South Africa’s future.
Why Leadership Development is South Africa’s Best Investment
As the country faces complex socio-economic challenges, this is not just about individual success—it’s about national progress. Enhanced servant leadership skills and capabilities extends beyond election cycles and so instilling these within the youth will benefit not only themselves but their respective communities.
“True leadership is rooted in service and driven by purpose. South Africa’s future depends on developing resilient, ethical, and solutions-driven leaders. The AECI Future Leaders Challenge is about creating a ripple effect of positive impact.”
— Holger Riemensperger, AECI Group CEO
“Leadership is not a privilege—it is a responsibility. Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s words, ‘Be the scriptwriters of your destiny,’ this programme will empower young South Africans to step up, take ownership, and lead.”
— Kavita Pema, AECI Group Vice President of Sustainability, ESG, and EHS
“Youth make up 70% of our population but 100% of our future. Investing in them is not charity—it’s the only viable strategy for South Africa’s success.”
— Martin Sweet, Managing Director, Primestars
AECI: A Legacy of Innovation and Social Impact
With over 100 years of industrial and social impact, AECI has consistently invested in initiatives that drive real, measurable change.
AECI is not just talking about leadership development—it is actively shaping a generation of young leaders who will redefine South Africa’s future.
In a time of uncertainty, this is the certainty South Africa needs: Young leaders, equipped, empowered, and ready to build a better tomorrow.
The Future is Here. The Future is Them. The Future Starts Now.
