Oh, Africa! The Pearl of Africa!
Young leaders, listen and learn.
Power is temporary, but your legacy lives forever.
Love for one another is an asset!
Pride entered leadership, and hearts were torn,
Friends became strangers, and hope was worn.
Wrong accusations, no “sorry” in sight,
Some resigned in tears, some fought through the night.
Warnings were signed while some lay sick in bed,
Reports written from home, with figures instead.
Favour for a few, while others felt small,
Nepotism and tribalism built invisible walls.
But God controls seasons, the night and the day,
No power lasts forever; time has its way.
You may celebrate success, but ask what it cost:
How many hearts were wounded? How many were lost?
Leader, lead with love! (Lead with love!)
Power is not pride! (Not pride!)
Justice for everyone! (Everyone!)
Let no one be cast aside!
Love is an asset! (An asset!)
Kindness is your name!
How you treat the people
Will remember you the same!
Why fight the innocent and find peace in a fight?
Why silence the truth when your title shines bright?
Before you blame others, examine your ways;
Self-reflection brings wisdom, and humility pays.
Some smile in your presence, yet suffer inside,
Some carry deep wounds they have learned to hide.
Discrimination and favouritism destroy unity;
Fairness and compassion build a stronger community.
Young leaders, remember, authority is a trust;
Serve with integrity, be humble and just.
Do not confuse fear with respect or applause with success;
A leader lifts people through hardship and stress.
To leaders approaching fifty-seven, pause and reflect:
If three active years remain before retirement, what comes next?
Will you leave behind conflict, resentment and pain,
Or a legacy of service that people will praise?
Your position will end; your example will stay.
Choose love, choose fairness, choose a better way!
Lead with love! (Lead with love!)
Power is not pride! (Not pride!)
Justice for everyone! (Everyone!)
Let no one be cast aside!
Love is an asset! (An asset!)
Let compassion lead!
The greatest leaders serve;
They do not rule through fear and greed!
One question for every leader:
When your season ends, how will people remember you?
Will they remember the position you held,
or the humanity you showed?
Reflect before you accuse.
Listen before you judge.
Correct yourself before correcting others.
Power is temporary. Character is your legacy.
Love one another. Serve with dignity.
By Uncle Fred MUJEMU,
The Pearl of Africa.
Thank you for listening. Let us learn, lead wisely, and leave a legacy of love.