In the heart of Johannesburg, amidst an atmosphere of anticipation and promise, the Africa Leadership Initiative South Africa (ALI SA) recently hosted a momentous welcome dinner for its newest cohort, Class XV. The event marked the beginning of an 18-month journey that promises to transform these accomplished individuals into catalysts for change across the African continent.
A Gathering of Visionaries
The room buzzed with energy as Fellows from previous cohorts mingled with the newest members of the ALI SA family. Raymond Ndlovu, the Chairman of ALI SA, set the tone for the evening with his opening remarks:
“The Africa Leadership Initiative, founded nearly 21 years ago, exists to identify and engage leaders who have excelled in their respective fields and earned the recognition of their peers. However, beyond personal achievement, ALI challenges them to reflect on the true meaning of success—one that is not just about individual accomplishment, but about using their leadership to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable society.”
This statement captures the essence of ALI SA’s mission: guiding leaders from success to significance and from personal achievement to societal impact. Raymond explained that each cohort eventually names themselves, reflecting their collective identity and vision for their contribution to society.
A Journey of Profound Change
Lynette Chen, the Executive Director of ALI SA and a Fellow of Class IX, outlined the transformative journey that awaitsx Class XV. She emphasised the importance of commitment, presence and openness to challenge:
“Be prepared to enter the room with an open mind, bringing your whole self—your experiences, insights and authenticity—into the conversation. We take leaders on a journey of reflection, deep discussions, debates and questioning, through a unique mixture of seminars, designed to broaden your perspectives and develop value-based, community-spirited leaders.”
Lynette described how the fellowship brings together leaders from government, private sector, media, arts and NGOs to create a safe space for honest dialogue about personal perceptions and global challenges. The four seminars spanning 18-24 months will push Fellows to examine themselves and society, culminating not in an ending but in the beginning of a lifelong impact journey.
Voices of Inspiration
The evening featured two remarkable speakers who embodied the spirit of ALI SA’s mission. Tsakani Maluleke, the Auditor-General of South Africa and a Fellow from Class VII, shared how her childhood experiences in Soshanguve township shaped her leadership philosophy. Working at her family’s business till at age nine taught her fundamental principles of service, transparency and accountability—values that now define her approach at the Office of the Auditor-General.
“At age 9, I learned about service, debits and credits, but also transparency and accountability. Each person had to balance their takings at day’s end. There was reward for success and consequences for failure,” she explained.
These early lessons in stewardship inform how she has transformed the institution’s approach to its constitutional mandate. Under her guidance, the office has moved beyond mere financial audits to examine how accounting decisions impact citizens’ lived experiences:
“When debits and credits are wrong on the national school nutrition scheme, children go hungry and can’t learn. When meals arrive without utensils, a child’s dignity is compromised. When food lacks nutritional value, development is stunted.”
Tsakani described how her ALI fellowship journey clarified her sense of purpose. Initially restless in the private sector despite her success, the fellowship’s questioning process and engagement with diverse perspectives helped her recognise her deeper calling to public service. The experience challenged her to listen differently to herself and others, bringing clarity to the question of what would constitute work of true significance.
She urged the new Fellows to embrace the unsettling nature of the journey ahead: “I hope you will be just as unsettled as I was. I hope you’ll emerge with greater resilience and courage to take on the world’s challenges.” She emphasised that the world needs leaders who share similar values but occupy different spaces with a different posture, making slightly better choices that build rather than destroy.
The Art of Collective Leadership
Neo Muyanga, a composer, musician, and installation artist from Class III, offered a unique perspective on leadership through the lens of art and memory. He spoke about the power of collective voice and the importance of listening:
“Choral work has become my lens for viewing the world. The chorus, what the Greeks call the techne, is a technology for making. Choirs are not about individual vocal brilliance but about how well you listen to those around you and finds ways to blend your voice, while remaining ready to articulate your solo when called upon.”
Neo explained how this metaphor applies to active citizenship —not merely voting every few years but remaining engaged, listening and responding authentically. His work with young people from Hillbrow, reinterpreting Aimé Césaire’s “Return to Native Land” for contemporary South Africa, demonstrated how art can challenge society to confront uncomfortable truths.
The performance by these young artists served as a powerful reminder of leaders’ responsibility to engage with the next generation. Their poetic critique of post-apartheid South Africa—”My mouth shall be the mouth of misfortunes which have no mouth“—resonated deeply with the audience, illustrating the urgency of addressing societal challenges.
A Diverse Cohort, A Shared Purpose
Class XV represents a rich tapestry of South African leadership, with members hailing from diverse sectors including finance, conservation, law, media, science, and social development. As they introduced themselves, their passion and commitment to making a difference shone through, promising a dynamic and impactful cohort.
Looking Ahead
Kone Gugushe, Head of Social Investing at First Rand Empowerment Foundation and a Fellow from Class X, closed the evening with a powerful call to action:
“The world is rewriting itself in ways we never imagined possible. We must ask ourselves: what will I say when history records this era? Will I allow the tragedy of good people doing nothing, or will I stand up and be counted, upholding principles that cannot be compromised on my watch?”
As Class XV begins their ALI SA journey, they carry with them not just the weight of expectation, but the potential to shape a brighter future for South Africa and the continent.
In a time of global uncertainty and shifting power dynamics, Class XV’s commitment to ethical leadership and collaborative problem-solving embodies the hope and promise of visionary leadership in Africa. As they prepare to challenge themselves, expand their perspectives and forge lasting connections, they offer genuine hope for sustainable, positive change across the continent.
The African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” perfectly captures the spirit of ALI SA and the journey that lies ahead for Class XV. Together, they will navigate leadership challenges, striving not merely for personal success, but for the significance that comes from creating lasting societal impact.
