Hosted on 10 August 2017, the theme of the summit was “Thriving during uncertainty and complexity – a leadership challenge.” The event was a dynamic collaboration between the NWU and the Ukuvula Foundation, a non-profit organisation established to coordinate and fund social development initiatives.

 

Sharing their expertise

 

According to Warren Makgowe, NWU director for stakeholder relations who spearheads the annual event, the summit’s vision is the support of sustainable future growth and the development of South Africa and Africa by exploring best practices, ideas and lessons from visionary, responsible, and forward-thinking leaders.

 

The line-up of speakers included: Prof Raymond Parsons (chairman of the NWU School of Business and Governance’s Advisory Board), Bonang Mohale (chief executive officer of Business Leadership South Africa),  Songezo Zibi (head of communication of Barclays Africa Group Limited), Yusuf Abramjee (former global communication director of Crime Stoppers International), Justice Bess Nkabinde (Constitutional Court of SA) and Dr Adrian Saville (founder and chief executive of Cannon Asset Managers). The welcoming address was delivered by Prof Dan Kgwadi, NWU vice-chancellor.

 

We need responsible leaders

 

Although the speakers represented different sectors, the same sentiment echoed through each presentation, namely the dire need for responsive and responsible leadership in South Africa.

 

With public distrust on the rise, it is important that leaders become much more aware of the impact of their decisions and the needs of their respective constituencies.

 

In much the same way Joe Public must step forward to champion these leaders and, if need be, become ambassadors of sustainable change themselves.