Interesting times indeed ... the CMRS on Mbeki and leadership

The Community of Mandela Rhodes Scholars is committed to four core principles: leadership, entrepreneurship, reconciliation and education. The principle of leadership requires all scholars to commit themselves to ethical leadership; leadership that places the interests of society ahead of the interests of individuals, factions or groups. In attempting to propagate its principles, the Community as an organisation remains committed to the principle of political non-alignment. However, the individual members of the Community are encouraged to take a stand on all pressing issues and to use the principles of the Community to frame their views.

The events surrounding the recall of Thabo Mbeki by the ANC have sparked much debate and discussion within the community; debates that have been informed by the principle of ethical leadership. The following pieces reflect a small cross-section of these views.

“A lack of public dialogue and transparency is what comes to mind when considering the current political climate of the country. With both the country’s citizens and the opposition surprised at the hasty resignation of President Thabo Mbeki, one wonders why those outside the four walls of the ANC were not included in some kind of dialogue about the real reasons behind Mbeki being forced to resign. I believe that the values of a true democracy (of the people, by the people, for the people) would have been affirmed had the average citizen of this country been given access to some form of a lobbying process that would either challenge or concede with the rather private decisions made by the ANC. This situation does not look good for South Africa’s stability and progress. The ultimate question for me is this: is it ethical and democratic for party infighting to determine the course of national politics and what will be the limit of this in the future.” — Rachel Adams (2006 Scholar).

“The first thing people said to me this morning was “you’re lucky you’re overseas”. Lucky? I’m not so sure. As I sit halfway across the world from my beloved country, no rooted sense of what this momentous decision feels like on the ground, that familiar urge to run headlong to Heathrow and jump on a plane (if only for today) returns. What I’m yearning for is a way to make sense of something that feels surreal. A friend instantly messaged me: “everyone’s panicking — what’s your take on this?” My brain begins clicking slowly into place: “Stop panicking. Panic is the most destructive reaction to any situation.” Don’t give up. Change of any kind, and particularly when unexpected, is scary – always. But, we’re still here. We can still be heard. Our passion rings loudly. This country has always been more than its politicians.” – Janet Jobson (2005 Scholar).

“Farewell President Mbeki. Although there were certain stances that I did not agree with you on, you have done a sterling job in some areas. It is sad that you have to leave like this, but I commend you for the way that you have taken the whole situation. In as much pain as you might be in right now, please take refuge in knowing that there are a bunch of young leaders that are getting themselves trained and equipped to become the ethical, micro and macro focused leaders who believe in truly empowering and advancing the people of Africa and not their own political agendas! As Johnny Clegg says in his song Cruel, Crazy Beautiful World: [We have to] “Keep on believing that tomorrow brings a better day.” — Judy Sikuza (2007 Scholar).

“I think we have not placed enough emphasis in calling for the kind of leadership that we want in this country. This country, the continent and the world is in desperate need of a new kind of leadership, a leadership that is ethical, transparent and embodies integrity in its practice. This current political circus of replacing one ring leader with another is absolutely childish and will amount to yet another cycle of political and financial gains for individuals, friends and families. The ascendance into positions of leadership (which have been misinterpreted as positions of privilege) by some of our ‘struggle heroes’ has brought upon us a leadership curse that has at its core a sickening sense of entitlement. The time has come for us seek and elect ethical leaders who have a vision beyond their own pockets and egos. Do we have such a leadership in this country? ” – Buhle Zuma (2007 Scholar).

“The most important reason for Mbeki’s fall goes back a long way before Judge Nicholson’s comments were made. I am talking about Mbeki’s tendency to lead with the help of a closed circle of like-minded individuals. I hope that the Zuma-led ANC will not make the same mistake and that a widely representative and consultative leadership will now lead South Africa forward.” – Lionel Faull (2008 Scholar).