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ALI SA Chairman and Fellow, Raymond Ndlovu This past year has been one of consolidation and renewed growth. ALI SA has moved from guarding its very existence to rediscovering its momentum, energy and voice. There has been a significant rise in interest, engagement and enthusiasm among Fellows, including some who have returned after a long absence. Many stepped back during the period when ALI SA...

ALI SA Executive Director and Fellow, Lynette Chen Looking back on 2025, I’m struck by how much we have experienced together—as a fellowship, as a community, and as leaders committed to Africa’s future. Hosting the Africa Impact Forum once again here in South Africa was a highlight, reminding me of the powerful connections that bind us across the continent. It was inspiring to see our ALI...

ALI SA Fellow, Adi Enthoven South Africa’s story over the past decade has often been told as one of inevitable decline, fraying institutions and fading hope. Yet voices from within business and civic leadership are beginning to ask a different question: what if the trend line is starting to bend in the right direction again and what would that mean for our shared future as a country and as a c...

In June this year, ALI SA hosted a Dialogue on “South Africa: Navigating Geopolitical Shifts”, bringing together Fellows and partners for a frank, thoughtful discussion on how global power shifts are reshaping South Africa’s choices at home and abroad. Six months later, much of what was shared in that room still frames how we understand the country’s position in a more contested w...

ALI WA Fellow, Bright Simons The global conversation about Africa and minerals tends to follow a familiar script: vast untapped wealth, geopolitical competition and the promise of a green-energy windfall. But is this framing serving Africa’s interests, or someone else’s? Bright Simons, founder of mPedigree and an ALI West Africa Fellow, has spent over a decade questioning the assum...

ALI SA Fellow, Dr Brenda Kubheka-Chauke In a recent News24 opinion piece, Dr Brenda Kubheka-Chauke (Class XIII: Akani) explores how climate change in South Africa is not only an environmental crisis but a profound challenge to human rights. Drawing on her experience in public health, governance and ethics, she reflects on how flooding, heat and displacement aggravate existing inequalities, with...

South Africa’s public education system is one of the largest and most complex service networks in the country: more than 24 000 schools, hundreds of thousands of educators and millions of learners spread across 75 districts and nine provinces. Leading in this environment means making decisions every day that shape learner’s futures. Doing that well requires more than intuition or annual repor...

TEACH SA recently brought together partners, supporters and Alumni for a morning that looked back on its journey and looked ahead to what is still possible for South Africa’s learners. Hosted at Deloitte’s Johannesburg offices, the gathering honoured a 17-year track record of placing committed graduates into classrooms and strengthening the national pipeline of high-quality STEM educators. Fr...

ALI SA Fellow, Andy Kawa with her daughter, Celi. Fifteen years ago, Andy Kawa (Class VIII: Mahube) survived a brutal attack on King’s Beach in Port Elizabeth. What began as a deeply personal trauma became a fifteen-year struggle to hold the state accountable for its failure to protect and to respond. Her case went all the way to the Constitutional Court, which in 2022 affirmed that the po...

ALI SA Fellow, Dr Nobs Mwanda Gender-based violence and femicide remain among South Africa’s most urgent human rights crises, cutting across age, geography and income and leaving deep physical, emotional and economic scars on individuals and communities. Against this backdrop, long-term, community-rooted work that centres prevention, healing and accountability is essential to shifting the con...

ALI Young Leader Fellow, Raymond Ledwaba Co-founded by ALI Young Leader Fellow, Raymond Ledwaba (ALI Young Leaders, Class of 2015), Diski Nine9 is partnering with Manchester City, Midea and Tackle Africa to equip young people with leadership skills through the game they love – football. In this short video, Raymond shares how the first Johannesburg activation is bringing together coaches...

ALI SA Fellow, Prof Tulio de Oliveira Professor Tulio de Oliveira (Class XV: Khawuleza) is recognised among the world’s leading scientists and the feature below looks at what that recognition means to him, his work in South Africa and his hopes for young people considering careers in science. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tulio played a pivotal role on the Presidential Advisory Council...

by Mohamed Ali Diini, Founder: Iftin Global The ALI Africa Impact Forum in Cape Town was my first real engagement with the Africa Leadership Iinitiative network after ten years of working almost entirely inside Somalia. I didn’t understand how isolating that decade had been until I walked into a room full of peers from across the continent and realized – I had never really had this k...

ALI SA Fellows, Derisee Markgraaff and Nomzamo Mbatha At the 2025 National Film & TV Awards South Africa (SAFTA), Shaka iLembe swept the ceremony with multiple accolades and at the heart of this triumph are two of our own ALI SA Fellows: Desiree Markgraaff (Class III: Seriti) and Nomzamo Mbatha (Class XV: Khawuleza), who together, took home the Best Producer award for the groundbreaking ser...

ALI SA Class XIV: Pamoja Graduation ALI SA’s Class XIV: Pamoja gathered at Spier Wine Farm from 21 to 26 August 2025 for their fourth and final seminar, themed “The Promise of Leadership.” Over the course of the week, Fellows presented their final ventures, showcasing the culmination of eighteen months of growth, learning and committed engagement with the programme. The graduation ceremon...

ALI SA Class XV: Khawuleza after Antigone Performance ALI SA’s Class XV: Khawuleza gathered on 4-9 September 2025, at the picturesque Spier Wine Farm for their second seminar, known as the Aspen Seminar. The event proved to be an inspiring week filled with dynamic sessions, insightful dialogue and rich engagement among Fellows. A standout moment of the seminar was Class XV’s compelling perfo...

ALI SA Fellow, Dr Mpho Tsedu The Africa Leadership Initiative South Africa (ALI SA) extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr Mpho Tsedu, Class XIII: Akani Fellow, on achieving his PhD in Political Studies from the Nelson Mandela University. This milestone crowns a career blending academic depth with high-level government service and media influence, exemplifying the values-based leadership ALI S...

Late ALI SA Fellow, Xoliswa Kakana With profound sorrow and gratitude, we of Class VIII: Mahube of the Africa Leadership Initiative South Africa, pay tribute to our dear colleague on her passing, Xoliswa Kakana — a beacon of excellence, a trailblazer for women in ICT and an exemplar of courage, intellect and leadership. Xoliswa joined our ALI SA community as a Fellow of class VIII, and she br...

Lynette Chen As we approach the midpoint of 2025, I find myself reflecting on the quiet lessons that come with the changing season. In nature, winter signals a time of hibernation—a pause to look inward, take stock and prepare for what lies ahead. For many of us, this is a rare opportunity to step back from the noise, reconnect with our purpose and ask ourselves: where are we on our journey t...

The Third Policy Dialogue of SALDRU and ALI SA at the South Africa at 30 Years of Democracy conference. The third policy dialogue jointly hosted by ALI SA and SALDRU took place on 4 April 2025 at the SALDRU conference on “Reflecting on 30 years of democracy in South Africa.” The session on “Financial Inclusion and Economic Transformation” was a panel discussion exploring how broa...

ALI SA alumni Fellows with guest speakers, Mteto Nyati (Chairman of Eskom) and Busani Ngcaweni (ALI SA Fellow and Director General of the National School of Government) 23–25 May 2025 | De Hoek Country Hotel, Magaliesburg The Africa Leadership Initiative South Africa (ALI SA) convened the second Good Society Seminar in the tranquil setting of Magaliesburg’s De Hoek Country Hotel, drawing tog...

Neo Muyanga, ALI SA Fellow When Neo Muyanga (Class III: Seriti) received the 2025 Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Sound Design, Original Music, Soundscape or Live Performance, the moment carried a profound sense of honour and validation. For Neo, this award is a celebration of the collective vision and passion that brought Manje! Manje! to life. “It is an honour to receive the ...

Alan Storey, ALI SA Fellow This month, ALI SA celebrates the outstanding achievement of Alan Storey (Class IX: Tariro), who has been awarded the 2025 Andrew Murray Desmond Tutu Prize for his book, The Bell, Banners and Blasphemy. In a conversation that echoes the values of our fellowship, Alan’s story is one of imagination, courage and unwavering commitment to justice—a story that reminds u...

Andrew Zaloumis, ALI SA Fellow “Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.” This African proverb rings true in the journey of Andrew Zaloumis (Class VI: Tshelela), whose legacy in conservation leadership continues to inspire across borders. As the driving force behind iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s rise to UNESCO World Heritage status, Andrew set a benchmark for v...

“A single seed can start a forest; a single Fellow can spark a movement.” Mpadi Makgalo, ALI SA Fellow In April 2025, the Aspen Global Leadership Network announced the recipients of the 2025 McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund. Among the six global awardees is ALI South Africa’s own Mpadi Makgalo (Class VI: Tshelela), honoured for her pioneering work with HEAL South Africa. This recognition pl...

Garth Japhet, fixlocal Founder Tired of electricity and water outages, potholes, or sewage flowing into your streets? fixlocal is here to help! Across South Africa, local government is responsible for providing essential services, yet all too often, it is “Missing In Action”. Many South Africans, despite paying rates and taxes, feel frustrated and despondent, unsure where to begin when fac...

Mounted Police in the Eastern Cape A significant step towards safer, more resilient communities has taken root along the Wild Coast. On Monday, 19 May 2025, the SAPS Mounted Unit began permanent patrols in this region—a development made possible by the collective determination of community members, traditional leaders, NGOs, the media and local partners. This partnership stands as a powerful e...

Gareth Morgan, ALI SA Fellow Gareth Morgan (Class XIII Akani), the Executive Director of Future Planning and Resilience – City of Cape Town, has co-authored a powerful new guide with Peter Willis: Becoming Good at Crises – A Field Guide for Leaders. This book arrives at a time when leaders everywhere are being tested by the pace and complexity of crisis and it offers a clear, practical p...

Globalisation seminar of international AGLN Fellows having some fun at Holi Festival in Jodhpur, India In a world marked by shifting alliances and deepening divides, the Globalisation Seminar in Jodhpur, India, offered our Fellows a rare space to connect, challenge and reflect. Simon Freemantle and Cobus van Wyngaard (Class XIV: Pamoja), both committed to values-based leadership, share their expe...

In the lead-up to SALDRU’s landmark conference: South Africa at 30 Years of Democracy, held in April 2025, a powerful partnership between the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) and the Africa Leadership Initiative South Africa (ALI-SA) catalysed a series of bold, high-level policy dialogues. Designed to challenge assumptions and forge new pathways, these engagements b...

At a time when global headlines threaten to obscure the lived realities of South Africans, our nation’s leaders are called to respond with clarity and conviction. The following statement, crafted by white South African Christian leaders, is a testament to the power of ethical leadership and collective responsibility. With unwavering commitment to justice, these leaders challenge misrepresentatio...

Basani Maluleke, ALI SA Fellow We congratulate Basani Maluleke (Class IX: Tariro) on her appointment as Group Executive for Capitec’s personal bank division. Basani’s leadership journey reflects the values and vision we advocate at ALI SA—integrity, innovation and a commitment to meaningful change. With a wealth of experience, including her tenure as CEO of African Bank and four years sha...

Reza Daniels, ALI SA Fellow ALI SA is pleased to share the news of Fellow Reza Daniels‘ (Class IX: Tariro) recent appointment as the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University, effective 1 November 2025. Reza, who also directs the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), brings considerable ...

Experience the power of community, vision, and action at Africa Impact Forum 2025—where changemakers unite to shape the Good Society. This year’s theme, Africa the Good Society – The Power of We, invites us to reimagine what’s possible when we lead together, guided by the spirit of Ubuntu. Join leaders, innovators and visionaries from across the continent as we explore new pathways for co...

South Africa’s foreign policy is once again in the international spotlight. In May 2025, following renewed, high-profile engagement between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump, questions around our diplomatic priorities, trade allegiances, and ideological positioning have returned to the fore. In a world where global alliances are shifting and scrutiny from Washington has in...

We are proud to share that ALI SA Fellow Kuben Naidoo has been appointed to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Economic Advisory Council. This prestigious appointment comes as South Africa prepares to take on the G20 presidency, highlighting the critical role our Fellows play in shaping national policy. Kuben brings a wealth of experience to this role. Currently serving as the Head of Corporate Pay...

ALI SA Fellow Phathiswa Magopeni has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa (PCSA), marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career and a pivotal moment for media accountability in South Africa. With over 20 years of strategic and editorial leadership experience, Phathiswa brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. Her career includes notabl...

On 7 February 2025, 22 ALI SA Fellows from various classes gathered in Cape Town for an afternoon of connection and conversation. This second gathering in three months showcased the strength of our fellowship and the importance of shared experiences. New friendships were formed, existing bonds deepened, and ideas exchanged over a glass of good wine in a relaxed setting. These informal meetups are...

Join us for the ALI SA Good Society Seminar, taking place from 23 to 25 May 2025 at the serene DeHoek Country Estate in Magaliesburg. This alumni fellows gathering invites you to reconnect with Fellows and explore the values that shape your personal and professional life. The seminar offers a chance to return to a safe seminar space to reflect on where you are in your journey. and engage in meani...

For 15 years, TEACH South Africa, an ALI SA Venture founded by Fellows Dr Mothomang Diaho and Dr Futhi Mtoba, has been transforming education by placing top graduates in under-resourced schools as Ambassadors. Through this initiative, ALI SA’s commitment to fostering leadership and driving social impact comes to life—ensuring that quality teaching reaches the learners who need it most. With o...

We are delighted to introduce the newest members of the ALI South Africa Fellowship! Our new cohort of Class XV Fellows represent a diverse cross-section of professional spheres, including business, the arts, government, media, and civil society. We extend our sincere appreciation to all who submitted nominations. Your insights have been invaluable in identifying African leaders committed to soci...

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 eveni...

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb encapsulates the spirit of the recent Good Society Seminar hosted by the African Leadership Institute (ALISA) at De Hoek Country Hotel, Magaliesburg in October 2024. As we reflect on this groundbreaking event, we are reminded of the immense power that lies within our fellowship of visionary le...

ALI SA is taking its Fellows to a new level after solidifying the organisation’s structures and funding for the next five years. With the world in its current state of turmoil, the need for ethical and values-based leadership is required to find solutions for a peaceful and prosperous society. The need for leaders has never before been so stark. In South Africa, many are waiting for their c...

After help from ALI SA’s Venture Workshop, HEAL SA creator Mpadi Makgalo is ready to redefine access to mental health support in South Africa, while Fixlocal’s Garth Japhet will help you fix your neighbourhood. HEAL SA founder Mpadi Makgalo (ALI Class XI), has always believed in her venture and knew it stood a great chance of succeeding. She is more sure of victory now that she’...

I met Keith Berwick in 2002 while attending the Henry Crown Fellowship Programme in Aspen. I was inspired by his moderation style—his openness, kindness, inclusivity, and no-nonsense approach. It was that experience that motivated me to explore the formation of the Africa Leadership Initiative. In partnership with Ken Ofori-Atta, the late Ali Mufuruki, Romeo Rodrigues, and with the unwavering ...

Meet ALI South Africa’s new Executive Director. We are excited to announce that Lynette Chen, Class IX Tariro Fellow, will take the reins as Executive Director of ALI South Africa. Her unwavering commitment to this country and continent, combined with her track record of actively and successfully driving social and economic transformation in private sector-led initiatives, makes her the ide...

  Our Board is the foundation of ALI SA’s growth and vitality. The Africa Leadership Initiative South Africa takes great pride in the talented members of our exceptional Board. Many Board members are ALI Fellows and have completed the ALI Leadership training programme in one of the thirteen classes presented during the past two decades.  Raymond Ndlovu – ALISA Chairman/ Executive C...

On 15 February 2024, the beautiful Villa Arcadia in Parktown, Johannesburg, played host to a welcoming celebration. With the announcement of Class XIV, 21 new Fellows joined the ALI fraternity. ALI South Africa recently turned 20 years old, and we are proud to have graduated 13 classes through this programme. Our network of about 300 fellows is now shaping the continent in a positive light. Class...

Anglo American aims for green with Bambili’s hydrogen fuel cell power Class XIII Akani Fellow Zanele Mavuso Mbatha’s Bambili Energy has embarked on a groundbreaking venture, partnering with Anglo American, independent power producer Engie and the South African government. Their shared vision involves conducting techno-economic analyses for hydrogen fuel cell-related projects, a novel ...