It must have come as a surprise to many, in like manner as it were a moment of self discovery for Botswana’s jolly radio personality, Itumeleng “Tumie” Ramsden, when the United States of America (USA)’s charismatic President Barack Obama, specifically singled her out and her Yarona FM’s radio programme, “The Real Enchilada” at the US President’s Forum with Young African Leaders.
The forum brought together 115 young achievers invited from at least 47 nations of the Sub-Saharan Africa representing an array of political, economic, cultural and social arenas in their own home countries.
Botswana is being represented at the event by Yarona FM Radio’s Ramsden and BONELA (Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and AIDS)’s youthful Director, Uyapo Ndadi.
Apparently, Obama asked for Ramsden immediately upon concluding his 10 minutes speech before opening the floor for questions, which was part of the arrangement of the forum to allow the young leaders to discourse with him on issues of mutual concern.
He added that the “Real Enchilada” is an example of how young people can be mobilized to build a better future through the media.
“So the bottom line is this: Africa’s future belongs to its young people, including a woman who inspires young people across Botswana with her popular radio show, called, “The Real Enchilada” ÔÇö- and that’s Tumie Ramsden. Where’s Tumie? Right here — “The Real Enchilada,” said Obama.
And in that context, the US President motivated, “We want this to be the beginning of a new partnership and create networks that will promote opportunities for years to come. But I do want to leave you with this.”
Obama cautioned the young leaders to be mindful of the fact that they were the heirs of the independence generation that the Forum gathered to celebrate this year. Moreover they are in many ways the product of that generation which availed of its sacrifices fifty years ago, hence the existence of now independent states.
The US president went the length and breadth to express the effect Ramsden’s charm on him or his vision of helping the advancement of young people’s aspirations.
He contended that just as the achievements of the last 50 years inspired the young leaders, the work they do today will certainly inspire future generations.
And the US leader said, facing Tumie, “So — I understand, Tumie, you like to Tweet.”
Then about Tumie, he underlined, “And she shared words that have motivated so many — this is what Tumie said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, to learn more, to do more and become more, then you are a leader.”
Commenting on what transpired at the White House, Thato “Scar” Matlhabaphiri, Ramsden’s co-presenter of “The Real Enchilada”, “I am greatly delighted that reference should be made to our programme at such an international platform. It shows we really get through to the hearts and minds of a vast spectrum of social fabric.”
The name of the programme, “The Real Enchilada”, according to Matlhabaphiri was literally derived from a wrap dish, meaning, “We readied the Youth for a radiant, and productive morning.”
Matlhabaphiri intimated that it was no wonder that a media survey by Hotwire Communications Agency, “placed us ahead of the rest in terms of what we do, reaching out to the youth of this country, and promoting their participation in issues of national interest by bringing the perspective of the young generation.
However, as for Group Managing Director of Hotwire Communications, Kabelo Binns, while it is an acknowledged fact that Yarona has by far twice in a row, remained at the helm of the electronic media in terms of entertainment and sports, there is more to Ramsden’s Obama reference.
Knowing Tumie personally as he did, he said that he could confidently assert that the US President’s appraisal of Ramsden had little to do with her radio function than it very much hinged on the young woman’s personality.
“In a word, I must say it was an accolade beyond radio personality. It is the celebration of a Motswana young woman whose leadership potential and ability to influence opinion makes her a rare find, to the extent of emerging prominently from the midst of multitudes,” corroborated Binns.
Binns made the point that it was therefore an accolade worth sharing as a nation, learn from her, but also nurture her potentialities for the best to come out of her.
A release from the White House communications indicated that the purpose of the forum is for the young African achievers to deliberate on how they see their continent’s future evolving over the next half century, in the process helping to craft innovative solutions to regional challenges.
In the process, it was expected that the African participants will be interacting with American peers, as well as U.S. government officials, business leaders and NGO representatives, in sharing their insights on the key conference themes of youth empowerment, good governance and economic opportunity.
As all of you go to — as all of you pursue your dreams ÔÇö- as you go to school, you find a job, you make your voices heard, you mobilize people ÔÇö- America wants to support your aspirations
Now, the great task of building a nation is never done. Here in America, more than two centuries since our independence, we’re still working to perfect our union.
By the same token, across Africa today, there’s no denying the daily hardships that are faced by so many — the struggle to feed their children, to find work, to survive another day. And too often, that’s the Africa that the world sees.
