AS the son of two medical professionals, a young man from Bethelsdorp in Nelson Mandela Bay, would’ve been expected to show a natural interest in the medical field.
However, Reyaaz Scharneck, who is currently excelling in international politics in Poland, always knew that he was meant to follow a different path and it was not only because he could not stand the sight of blood.
Scharneck (24), has been flying the South African flag high in Warsaw, Poland, as a youth representative at the Permanent Secretariat of the Community of Democracies since he moved there in 2018.
“I have always been interested in protecting the values of democracy. The country’s not-too-distant past shows the horrors of what can occur if these values and principles are undermined,” Scharneck said.
Pursuing a culture of serving
“I grew up in a culture of serving.
“My late grandfather, Rashied Finnis, was a pillar in the community of Bethelsdorp, actively involved in cultural and environmental conservation. My father, Peter Scharneck, a medical doctor, selflessly serves the people of the northern areas and my mother, Mymoena, a psychologist, has always been involved in community outreach programmes in Bethelsdorp. Politics became the natural thing for me to pursue to continue our culture of serving.”
Scharneck, who matriculated from Theodor Herzl High School in 2013, obtained his undergraduate degree in politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) in 2017 from the University of Johannesburg, and completed his honours degree in African studies, specialising in diplomacy and foreign policy, the following year. He also holds two executive diplomas in the art of diplomacy from the European Academy of Diplomacy and is currently busy with his master’s degree in international politics at UNISA.
At the end of 2018, he was selected to do diplomatic training at the prestigious European Academy of Diplomacy, in Warsaw.
Rubbing shoulders with VIPs
“Being here is the greatest experience of my professional life. I’ve rubbed shoulders with presidents, ambassadors and leaders of international organisations. My time in here has proven my love for diplomacy and I look forward to using my experience abroad to benefit South Africa when the opportunity to serve our country presents itself.
Scharneck also recently had the once in a lifetime opportunity to deliver remarks in front of the world at the first Youth Forum on Youth Activism and Governance and The Youth and the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda.
Although he is a born politician, Scharneck also loves sport, especially cricket. “I’m actually a decent cricket player and my dream growing up was to play professionally. I’m a huge fan of the Warriors. I still daydream about running out with the boys and playing in front of a packed St. George’s Park!
“Oh, to be batting and hearing the band playing in full swing and the crowd passionately singing!
“I also enjoy food and travelling and try to combine the two in my spare time. Poland is such a beautiful country; the palaces, castles and old towns are just breathtaking.
“Trying the local cuisine has been wonderful. I love pierogi (Polish stuffed dumplings) and paczki (Polish donuts),” he explained.
Missing the sense of community
Although he’s having the time of his life overseas, Scharneck admits to being quite homesick, as he hasn’t been home since September last year.
“A city is just lots of buildings without the people and that is exactly what I miss – the people! I miss my family, friends, random chats with strangers and the sense of community in Bethelsdorp.”
When asked for a word of advice to youth who are considering a similar career, Scharneck said that the world needs more young, passionate people in positions that hold leaders accountable.
“If you are thinking about going into politics, do it. Today, more than ever, we need young people at the forefront of the change we want to see.
“Let us see things through so that we can bring meaningful change to our societies. I firmly believe that the youth are not the leaders of tomorrow but rather the leaders of today.”
