BhasweLihle Zilwa

BhasweLihle Zilwa

Foreword by
Dr.Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

As I read through Lihle’s beautiful collection of motivational quotes and her motivation for compiling the same, my heart soared. A large part of my professional career has been spent advocating for the upliftment and protection of women. In my recently completed term as Executive Director of UN Women, a United Nations entity working for gender equality and the empowerment of women, having previously worked with the World Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) where I advocated for job creation for young people within the UN system and promoted development education in Africa, and in founding and directing the Young Women’s International Programme, I have been driven by the belief that the contribution by women, their talents, gifts and aptitude are the assets the world needs in order to meet our development goals and create a more equitable world.

It is, therefore, such a great pleasure to read something this thoughtful and powerfully uplifting for teenagers, written and beautifully presented by a teenager. She has chosen motivational quotes that educate and motivate young people; the motivation is gentle and determined and, this is just all young people need in their exciting journey.

As an author, Lihle has articulated the key components of success in a meaningful and artfully presented sequence that is greatly enhanced by the graphic use of the compass as a navigational tool. Lihle’s own motivation for compiling the quotes shows her own strength and determination, while the values she espouses tell of her character, especially her selflessness and servant leadership. These are the hallmarks of greatness and seeing them in one so yound both exciting and encouraging.

Given the fact that so many children cannot read for meaning, to read the collection Lihle has put together is a celebration of the triumph of the youth, and will motivate the young and adults alike.

I encourage you to read this book in order to learn to hold your own amongst your peers. Further, this book will enable you to impress adults by having the right quote for every situation.

I also challenge you, as the stars of today and tomorrow’s leaders, to remember the many children who cannot read. Consider taking up their cause and never stop

This is, indeed, a beautiful book, a gift every child deserves to read, own, and use as a catalyst for their individual success which will, I believe, become our collective success.

Lihle, I am very proud of you and wish you every success, now and always.