The soft skills we normally learn as children or pick up along the way can change the course of history.

How a person communicates, how one reacts to criticism or in a situation of conflict-can have great consequences. Leaders are skilled in two areas: managing their own lives and managing their relationships with other people. Just as we need to learn and practice football, netball or basketball skills, so we have to practice our life-skills.

One of my golden rules is: “never make a decision when you are angry”. This might sound simple, but many people put themselves in worse positions, because they brake this rule. Another principle is simply to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Listening will allow you to observe and analyse situations, it shows respect for other people and in return they will respect you.

The dream of a rainbow nation is still alive, we all create the history of South Africa every day, by the small decisions we make, by the way we treat our neighbours.

For me, life-skills is worth more than any university degree. When the Foundation for a Safe South Africa started the Youthzones programme we dreamt of a vibrant network of youths empowering each other. Sharing and learning life-skills together is a powerful tool to achieve this dream.

Don't forget our LS competition that closes on 1 December! We look forward to see your entries.