HE, Ms Ndileka Mandela, Royal House of Mandela and Founder CEO of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, welcomes the Honourable Minister for Public Service and Administration, Senzo Mchunu, MP at TUT for the Ethical Leadership Seminar.
Unveiled in November 2018, the Leading like Mandela programme provides a platform for critical dialogue about leadership. Aligned with the purpose of the programme, TUT in collaboration with the Public Service Commission, United Nations South Africa, the Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the Moral Regeneration Movement, hosted the seminar to facilitate such dialogue.
The impressive line-up of speakers all agreed that leadership is not just theory; it must be put into practice, a practice of which Nelson Mandela was an exemplary role model.
South Africa currently finds itself in a difficult position where principled leadership has become a rare commodity and that could only change through the regeneration of moral and ethical values. Exploring the dawn of the new era of an ethical, value-based and conscious leader, the speakers included:
- The Honourable Minister for Public Service, Mr Senzo Mchunu, MP;
- HE Ms Ndileka Mandela, form the Royal House of Mandela, Founder and CEO of the Tembekile Mandela Foundation;
- Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Chairperson of the Regeneration Movement;
- Ms Beatrice Mutai, Resident Coordinator Ad Interim United Nations SA; and
- Adv Richard Sizani, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission.
In his address, Min Mchunu highlighted how deeply corruption has become in government and society. “How has corruption become a national grievance in South Africa,” he asked.
Referring to the Zondo Commission, he added: “Our problem today is that the country has come to the point where there are no answers to any questions. Who should be held accountable for the state of Eskom, the SABC, the Guptas landing at Waterkloof Air Force Base? Leaders who do not have answers can lead no country. Ethical leaders and accountability go hand in hand,” the Minister continued.
In conclusion, he said leadership in the country currently needs space and time to assess what must be done and to implement the changes that will transform the country.
The panel discussion and dialogue provided an opportunity for delegates to discuss in more depth the current reality, challenges and consequences of poor leadership on the country and the continent.