‘It’s in your hands to make a difference’

NELSON Mandela (Madiba), the father of our democracy here in South Africa, was an iconic leader who not only transformed South Africa but inspired the world. He left an indelible mark through his unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and forgiveness.

Today, as South Africa faces increasing challenges, it is crucial to revisit Mandela’s teachings and recognise the profound benefits of incorporating his principles into contemporary leadership. By emphasising the importance of doing good, leaders can inspire positive change for the country.

Much of Mandela’s leadership philosophy, from my perspective at least, revolved around the belief that doing good is not only a moral imperative but also an effective strategy for transformative leadership.

He understood that leadership is not solely about authority and power, but about serving others, promoting equality, and uplifting communities. Mandela once said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

It is a lesson we all need to take to heart right now.

There are many benefits to embracing Madiba’s legacy, not least of all his uncanny ability to inspire unity and in the most unlikely of places and people. His capacity to reconcile and bring together people from different backgrounds during South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy is testament to the transformative power of doing good. When leaders prioritise the common good over personal interests, they create a sense of shared purpose and a harmonious environment that enables progress.

When leaders act with integrity, empathy, and compassion, they inspire confidence and gain the respect of their constituents. Mandela’s consistent pursuit of justice, even in the face of immense adversity, earned him the trust of millions.

Leaders who prioritise the welfare of their people and work tirelessly to uplift society create a virtuous cycle of trust, which leads to greater co-operation and collective progress.

Fostering forgiveness – Mandela’s extraordinary act of forgiveness towards his oppressors during his imprisonment, exemplifies the transformative power of compassion. By choosing reconciliation over revenge, he not only won the respect and admiration of the world but also set an extraordinary example of leadership. This act of forgiveness helped heal a divided nation.

Good and strong, morally sound leadership is intrinsically linked to sustainable development.

Leaders who prioritise the well-being of their citizens, invest in education, healthcare, and social welfare, and tackle pressing environmental issues create the conditions for longterm growth and prosperity – for all.

In software coding, the term “brute force” is used to describe an approach to problem solving, which entails “exhausting” the problem. South Africans are exhausted and the country itself is shattered.

Is it not now time to consider a more laissez-faire approach to solving our challenges and to pave the way for a more compassionate and prosperous nation?

In allowing our youth to step in and do what they know they need to do – with integrity, kindness and calmly – and the old guard stepping aside, the new lions can build the kind of future we all deserve.

Remember, as Mandela famously said, “It is in your hands to make a difference.”

Whether we are recognising Youth Month or Mandela Month, the lessons in leadership that South Africa’s first democratically elected president shared, are more relevant today than ever, and moreover, should be applied every day of the year, says