10 Feb 2025

Parents, experts, and young leaders came together for the Teen Summit, hosted at Maru-a-Pula School on Saturday, to discuss the role of discipline, structure, and mental health in shaping teenagers lives.

One of the organisers, Ms Nana Kgosidialwa said they organised the summit because they believed teen voices mattered and with the right guidance there were endless possibilities for them.

“This journey has been months in the making, filled with brainstorming, hard work, laughter, and even tears to bring today to life. Why? Because you matter. Today is not just a result of our efforts, it is the beginning of a journey and each of you has the power to spark change, to step fully into who you were created to be, and to go beyond even that," Ms Kgosidialwa told them, and said every speaker at the summit was passionate about their future.

At the heart of the discussion was the balance between fun and responsibility a topic that sparked deep reflection among both parents and teens. Speaking passionately about the role of discipline in personal growth, SADC secretariat human security Ms Jacinta Hofnie, reminded the teens that fun must be intentional.

“There is a time to play, and there is a time to be serious. That is what we are doing as parents, we guide with love. I know sometimes it may feel like tough love, but believe me, it’s necessary,” she said and emphasised that while young people should enjoy life, it must be done within strucutre.

Ms Hofnie stressed that a life without discipline led to chaos, making it difficult to achieve dreams and maintain mental well-being.

“You can’t just float through life as you wish. As we discipline you, we want every beautiful teen out there to know that we do it with love and appreciation for each and every one of you,” she said.

On the topic of structure and discipline contributing to mental stability, SkyGirls BW programme manager, Ms Mmapula Sedie was asked whether she agreed with the parents’ views and answered that she did to an extent. SkyGirls is a sisterhood that helps girls stay true to themselves and what they believe in.

As a Gen Z leader, Ms Sedie shared that she had grown within the SkyGirls programme, transitioning from an ambassador to a mentor. She also shared key lessons that had helped her navigate both personal and professional spaces.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to be kind. Not just in words, but in how we see and treat people. You don’t measure people by their accolades, how they look, or how they speak. You respect them simply because they are human,” said Ms Sedie.

This mindset, she explained, had taken her far in life, opening doors and fostering relationships built on mutual respect. Her second lesson to fellow teens was about being teachable.

“If you go through life thinking you know it all, you limit your own growth,” she said and advised that wisdom could come from anyone young or old, experienced or inexperienced.

Reflecting on her early days at SkyGirls, Ms Sedie recalled how she initially felt the need to “look the part” by dressing formally in high heels and a blazer.

“I thought I had to fit a certain image to be taken seriously. But by the end of the day, all I wanted was a pair of sneakers,” she and laughed at the memory.

She said she realised that authenticity was more important than appearances.

“Growth comes from being true to yourself while staying open to new experiences,” she stated. ENDS