Funny that you should pick this topic, Reinout. I recently had discussions with people about the flipside. I spoke to older friends and to the parents of younger friends who, after many years of experience, are suddenly considered redundant. These people struggle to find jobs or, if employed, are asked to retire early to make space for young, upcoming talent. Unfortunately, young guns often lack the experience that only time can bring, and our work places feel it.

Perhaps the different situations we face also reflect the demographic differences between our continents: Africa is not facing the challenge of an aging population. In fact, our challenge is rather the opposite. And we might have had our fill of loose cannons: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/08/anc-julius-malema-bbc-journalist I am a young one and I speak from the continent of the young when I say, 'Sometimes, I miss the old farts'. http://www.portalangop.co.ao/motix/en_us/noticias/politica/2010/6/28/World-marks-first-Nelson-Mandela-International-Day-Sunday,2ade2d89-502e-4dee-8a48-fae3adca2699.html