The Nelson Mandela Foundation is so worried about the lack of critical thinking in the young that it is to launch an academic programme next year to "harness" Madiba's vision.
The foundation has joined with the Life College Group to develop the programme, Nelson Mandela - The Champion Within, which aims to benefit 1million young South Africans at schools and universities within the next nine years.
The two organisations have been joined by business leaders Reuel Khoza, chairman of investment company AKA Capital; Doug Smollan, of the Smollan Group; the Development Bank of Southern Africa's Wendy Lucas-Bull; and Tsogo Sun Holdings Group chief executive Jabulane Mabuza.
Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Achmat Dangor and Life College founder Pat Pillai announced the partnership and details of the programme yesterday. They said it will cost R5.6-million to develop.
The programme is being developed by the National Planning Commission's Joel Netshitenzhe, the Human Rights Commission's Pregs Govender, and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University chancellor Santie Botha.
Pillai said funding the programme might be a struggle.
"There is not going to be any criteria that excludes a child. The only criterion is for the child to say: 'I'd like to work'.
"If you're willing to do more, we'd like to work with you," he said.
Pupils of schools in and around Soweto and Gauteng's West Rand have already been recruited.
Princess High School principal Elaine Powell said 80 of her pupils had been chosen.
Powell, whose school achieved a 90% matric pass rate, said: "I'm over the moon. It is an exciting opportunity. If at times my staff morale is low this could change their mindset and my pupils'."
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