The feedback to this clip has been stronger than I imagined. My pre-emptive response to the question I know will come is - no, I don’t have political ambition and I have no intention of ever standing, or accepting an appointment, for any public office.

My comments were part of a keynote address for International Youth day and the launch of a paper by @auyouthenvoy_ and @ProjectPakati on “Greater Inclusion of Youth in Public Service and Governance. The full clip of my speech is below.

I prepared talking points as I know my mouth and I didn’t want to invite controversy. For those of you who heard paper rustling, and noticed my reaction, all I have to say in my mea culpa is that my office operates on a low budget .

In the interest of transparency ....

This was a talk I did on “Wounded Leadership” before I became First Lady. I often go back and watch it. I am also a wounded leader. I understand that. I watch it so that I remember to watch for blindspots. The political realm is complex.

This talk on “Masters of Success” I did shortly after i became First Lady and also received it’s fair share of controversy simply because of the political moment in which I said those things. Listen to it again and let me know if you still disagree.

This was a thread that made some “politicians” tell me to shut up and go back to the kitchen. That is really what they said. We don’t have to like each other, or trust each other’s intentions, in order to understand, and reflect, on what I was trying to say. https://twitter.com/kalondomonica/status/1000698183352225792

Many have noticed that over the last three years, my speaking engagements have become fewer. It’s by design. I decline many requests as the public space is difficult for me and I struggle to say what people expect, or want me to say. As for politics...

https://twitter.com/kalondomonica/status/918032585321836544?s=21 https://twitter.com/kalondomonica/status/918032585321836544

Read between the lines when you engage this thread as I speak with a muzzle. This thread is my plea to young people in politics. Don’t repeat the same mistakes. Don’t engage in the toxic, focus on what’s important and changing people’s lives.

#AfricaYouthLead

Many senior public and political figures have reached out since last night. This was one such message, sent to my sister. I really agree with it and think its important to share. I’m grateful the clip has provoked an important conversation on power, influence and leadership.