By Stephanie Boutte
Guest Column
Princes and princesss do exist and I met a few recently. I just returned from South Africa where I was treated like royalty by actual royalty. My objective was to finalize projects and proposals from leaders who are reimagining their economic development strategies.
Little did I know that by answering their call for assistance, I would receive much more than an approved contract in return. I received a Welcome Home Party instead! Everyone who heard my American accent told me, “welcome home.”
Upon arriving in South Africa, I was humbled by the warm welcome and hospitality I experienced, unlike anything I had ever encountered. His Royal Heritage, Zolani Mkiva, a former member of Parliament in the Republic of South Africa and known as President Nelson Mandela’s Poet Laureate and Cultural Advisor – often referred to as “The Poet of Africa,” hosted our trip and organized a welcome party.
For the last three years, I’ve worked with prominent individuals across Africa to help with workforce development, targeting youth. Senegal was the first stop, followed by Zimbabwe and South Africa. After our feasibility study, we decided to focus on South Africa to start the workforce development project.
After I presented our strategy to combat youth unemployment to HRH Mkiva, he awarded me a fellowship with the Institute of African Royalty (IAR). As president and director general of the IAR, HRH Mkiva is recognized as a leader across the continent’s five regions and serves as the official representative for traditional leaders in the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament.
Africa has the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, with 60 percent of its population under 25, and it has the highest unemployment rate among its youth. Through the IAR Fellowship, HRH Mkiva has enlisted me to develop a comprehensive workforce development plan for the five continental regions.
During my visit, I felt as if I were in Wakanda. The love, hospitality and diversity of languages were truly remarkable. The trip lasted an entire month, starting in Cape Town for the first 10 days. Those first days were breathtaking, as our accommodations were located directly on the Atlantic Ocean.
