On the 27th July 2016, ALI launched the ALI Leadership Initiative Dialogue by hosting former President of the Republic South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe. This first event of the series was moderated by Ralph Freese from Class 1, and boasted 25 fellows in attendance at the Villa Acadia in Parktown. The theme for the evening was‘The Challenge of Leadership’ and what we need to do to face it head-on. Our former president, Kgalema Motlanthe, opened the discussion with an insightful speech before responding to several questions from the floor.
The discussion was centered on the challenges of Education as well as the Development of Qualified Teachers and the effect of leadership in South Africa. The fellows also touched on topics ranging from the Lack of Stable Educational Strategies, Credible Leadership in SA, to Citizen Engagement in the Education of its Children.
Overall, the event was exciting, valuable, and thought-provoking. It gave us all, as leaders, something to think about in regards to SA’s leadership challenges.
Our fellows had a lot to say about the evening and the topics discussed. Below are a few comments:
“As a leader, I do things that I believe are suited to solving a problem at a given time without putting what I do into a definitional box.”
— Adv Vuyani Ngalwana
“ With regards to some of the challenges,] we have not taken remedial steps. We tinker with the problem”.
— Salome Sengani
“The ALI dialogue provided an amazing opportunity to engage in issues of national importance, through a discussion with leaders from across South Africa of high calibre. The passion and commitment to improve our landscape provides a place of hope for South Africa’s future”
— Cecily Carmona
Look out for the next event of the ALI Leadership Initiative Dialogue series.
