On 6 November 2024, the ALI SA Impact Leadership Dialogue Dinner marked a significant milestone in our journey towards shaping a brighter future for South Africa.
As we gathered at the elegant Polo Lounge, Inanda Club in Sandton, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and a shared commitment to addressing the critical challenges facing our nation.
Celebrating Leadership and Partnership
The evening commenced with a stirring performance by award-winning poet Adetola Bakinson, setting the tone for a night of inspiration and profound reflection. Her powerful verses painted a vivid picture of South Africa’s journey since 1994, juxtaposing the country’s mineral wealth with persistent poverty and calling for renewed leadership and unity.
We were honoured to welcome 100 guests, including Fellows from various classes of the fellowship, distinguished representatives from diverse organisations, our Chairperson of the ALI SA Board, Raymond Ndlovu, and board members Saki Macozoma, Enzo Scarcella, Heather Sonn, Ann Lamont, and Nozipho Tshabalala. Their presence underscored the significance of this event in ALI SA’s calendar.
The evening also heralded the beginning of an exciting partnership with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation. Kone Gugushe, Head of Social Investing at FirstRand Group, shared insights into this collaboration, which promises to secure ALI SA’s foundations for the next five years.
SALDRU Partnership: A Strategic Alliance
Our partnership with the Southern African Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) for this event was deliberate and timely. As we have reached 30 years of democracy in South Africa, SALDRU’s expertise in socio-economic research aligns perfectly with ALI SA’s mission to develop visionary leaders capable of addressing our nation’s pressing challenges. Professor Reza Che Daniels, Director of SALDRU and ALI SA Fellow, provided valuable context for the evening’s theme, setting the stage for a series of dialogues that will feed into SALDRU’s conference in April 2025.
Reflecting on Three Decades of Democracy
The heart of the evening was a panel discussion moderated by the inimitable Ferial Haffajee, Associate Editor at Daily Maverick and ALI SA Fellow. Our panellists, Kuben Naidoo, Trudi Makhaya, Sizwe Nxasana, Khulekani Mathe, and Reza Daniels, representing a wealth of experience from finance, economics, business, and academia, delved deep into the critical question: “What sacred policy cows need to be revisited to unlock South Africa’s potential?”
The discussion ignited a spark of urgency and hope, challenging conventional wisdom and proposing bold strategies for national transformation. Key themes emerged, each underscored by compelling insights:
Education Reform
“Our future competitiveness hinges on reimagining our education system for the digital age,” asserted one panellist, emphasising the critical need to address skills gaps and prepare our youth for the evolving job market. The dialogue stressed the importance of aligning education with industry needs and fostering innovation from early stages.
Economic Restructuring
A powerful statement resonated through the room: “The time for incremental change has passed. We need bold, transformative policies to unlock South Africa’s true potential.” This call to action highlighted the necessity for radical economic reforms to drive inclusive growth and address persistent inequalities.
Digital Transformation
“Embracing technology isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating new opportunities for millions of South Africans,” remarked one expert. The panel explored how leveraging digital innovations could leapfrog traditional development challenges and position South Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Infrastructure Development
The critical role of infrastructure in economic growth was emphasised, with discussions on innovative financing models and the need for strategic, long-term planning. “We must prioritise infrastructure projects that have the greatest multiplier effect on job creation and economic growth,” noted one panellist.
New Social Compact
Perhaps the most unifying theme was the call for collaboration: “A new social compact between government, business, and civil society is not just desirable—it’s essential for our nation’s progress.” This insight underscored the need for all sectors to work together in reimagining and rebuilding South Africa’s future.
The panel didn’t shy away from challenging entrenched ideas. One provocative question lingered: “Are we prepared to let go of outdated policies that no longer serve our nation’s interests?” This query sparked intense debate on the balance between preserving hard-won gains and embracing necessary changes for progress.
Throughout the discussion, the panellists exemplified the kind of visionary, ethical leadership that ALI SA strives to foster. Their collective wisdom and diverse perspectives provided not just a critique of current challenges, but a roadmap for transformative action.
As the dialogue concluded, there was a palpable sense that this was more than just a discussion—it was a call to action for all leaders to play their part in unlocking South Africa’s vast potential.
Looking Ahead
The energy in the room was palpable as we concluded the evening with networking and celebration. This inaugural dinner set the stage for future dialogues that will contribute to shaping national debates and inspiring concrete actions. ALI SA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the fellowship’s size in the next five years and encouraging Fellows to re-engage and contribute to impactful ventures.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsor, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, and to Raymond Ndlovu for his generous contribution of Black Elephant Vintners wines.
The journey ahead calls for bold leadership, accountability, and a clear national vision. As a collective of visionary leaders, we possess the power to drive transformation and shape a prosperous future for our nation.
In closing, we invite you to reflect on the powerful words of Adetola Bakinson, whose final poem encapsulated the essence of our gathering and the path forward for our community of change-makers. Her verses serve as a rallying cry for the transformative impact we aim to achieve together as ALI SA and echoes our commitment to fostering leaders who will shape a united, prosperous Africa where every voice is valued, and every potential realised.
Rise, Leaders of Africa
O leaders of South Africa,
The world is watching; lift your eyes.
Step into light, step out of fear,
For Africa’s dawn is breaking clear.
Strength is more than power’s hand;
It’s lifting others to help them stand.
It’s hearing voices long denied,
It’s women rising, side by side.
With courage that is rare, I stand before you today
A voice for unity, here to say:
From South Africa’s fields to mountains tall,
The call for change belongs to all.
What is a legacy founded on the truth,
If only half the voices come through?
Where are the queens, the fierce and wise,
Who carry our past, who shape our skies?
Where are the kings, with strength and might,
Who lead with vision, who guide with light?
South Africa, land of gold and fire,
With history’s scars, with hearts of desire.
From Cape to Kalahari,
A resilient nation
Yet what is strength if we walk alone?
Together we rise, as seeds are sown.
O women of Africa, join this call
Your strength, your voice, needed by all.
For with queens beside us, the path is bright,
You guide the way, you hold the light.
So, I call on you, leaders dear,
To step with courage, make the way clear.
For no generation can rise in full
If we silence the voices that make us whole.
To lead is to listen, to build the road,
For all to walk, to share the load.
This is Africa, whole and strong
Where every voice and dream belong.
South Africa, let us lead together as one,
With strength unrivalled, your time has come.
From Cape Town’s shore to Limpopo’s light,
With Africa’s promise burning bright.
And to every leader, bold and proud,
I call you forward—stand unbowed.
The future’s here, our work in sight,
With Africa’s unity set alight.
Together we’ll build, together we’ll thrive,
With every dream and hope alive.
For no kingdom stands, no future reigns,
Without the queen who shares the reins.
Africa rises, fierce and free,
Bound by strength and unity.
In kings and queens our future sings,
A continent soaring on freedom’s wings.
