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OPTIMISTIC: The new generation of future leaders are opinionated politically, economically and socially.

 74% believe business has more power than government 

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About 2,106 Grades 11 and 12 pupils from a diverse range of township, inner city, former Model C and private schools took part in the survey at the annual GIBS CareerExpo in Johannesburg as part of the GIBS Spirit of Youth high school leaders' programme, run by the GIBS Centre for Leadership and Dialogue.

While 84% of pupils said that they would like to work outside the country at some point to further their careers, an impressive 74% of those surveyed believe that South Africa is a good place to have a successful career, seeing themselves as having better prospects within the country than anywhere else.

The pupils surveyed believe that in 2016 when they enter the workforce, South Africa will be a better place to work when compared to 2012.

The results also indicate that while 62% of pupils are concerned about the impact BEE may have on their careers, 68% of them still believe that BEE is the right policy to address South Africa's social and economic challenges.

With more than 74% of learners believing that business has more power than government in South Africa and almost 70% agreeing that improvements in South Africa will come mostly through government intervention, it is clear that this generation of students understands the need for balance between government and business interaction for a better South Africa.

Overwhelmingly, students were optimistic about the country's prospects, with 80% of those surveyed stating that they believed they would have a great life in South Africa and 88% stating that they are proud of our rainbow nation.

Phyllis Byars, senior manager of the GIBS Centre for Leadership and Dialogue, said: "The results of the survey demonstrate that the youth are incredibly aware about the current climate in South Africa and globally, but they are not letting that deter their hopes and aspirations for successful careers in the near future.

"We are looking at a new generation of future leaders who are opinionated politically, economically and socially, and who will not allow the negativity of the current world climate to affect their hopes and dreams."