“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 leaders. The inaugural Good Society Seminar brought together ALI SA Fellows from various cohorts, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences and perspectives. This gathering was not just a meeting of minds; it was a rekindling of the “magic of ALI” that has touched so many lives across our continent.
A Crucible of Ideas and Inspiration
The seminar provided a platform for Fellows to engage in profound discussions about the pressing issues facing Africa. From inequality, safety and security concerns to the future direction of our continent, participants delved deep into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Carefully curated readings served as catalysts for these conversations, challenging Fellows to reflect on their roles as leaders in shaping a good society.
Voices of Transformation: Fellow Reflections
Three of our esteemed Fellows shared their experiences, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of the Good Society Seminar.
Ismail Dockrat’s Perspective
Ismail Dockrat, a Fellow from Class 3 – Seriti, beautifully encapsulated the seminar’s atmosphere and impact: “It was wonderful for me to return to the fold of the ALI fellowship through my attendance of the Inaugural Good Society Seminar. I entered a circle of people none of whom I had met before, save one, and yet it was a circle into which I was warmly welcomed; I knew I would feel connected instantly. And this was indeed the case.”
Ismail highlighted the relevance of the readings and the depth of conversations that ensued: “The readings – which form the backbone of a formal gathering of ALI Fellows – were pertinent and relevant. They delved into deep aspects of the self, and the moment we find ourselves in, and challenged us to reflect. Both in the seminar setting as well as throughout the social aspects of the weekend, the conversations returned time and again to the state of the nation.”
He concluded with a powerful observation: “There is arguably no other leadership forum in the South African context which brings together such a diverse, committed and accomplished group of leaders – with shared values – from across the spectrum of South African society. It was such an honour to participate.”
Baba Mashologu’s Insights
Baba Mashologu, a Fellow from Class 7 – Dinatla, offered a compelling account of his experience, emphasising the seminar’s timeliness and profound impact: “The seminar was the first multi-class seminar in South Africa, and amongst the 14 Fellows who attended, classes from as early as the 3rd to as recent as the 12th were represented. This created a deeper and richer experience, not only for networking but, more importantly, for the depth of discussions and the exchange of views across ‘generations’.”
Baba highlighted the seminar’s ability to reignite passion and hope: “The seminar awakened our emotions, our idealism, and lit a new fire in our hopes for a Good Society to finally take root in South Africa.”
He noted the timely nature of the gathering, which provided a space to reflect amidst personal and national challenges: “To this end, the seminar astutely introduced two exceptional guests — Phindile Baleni, a technocrat sacrificing life, limb, and cranium for the cause of a Good Society, and Reuel Khoza, whom I would describe as a leading philosopher in the field of African political economy.” Baba remarked: “Both speakers were tremendous in articulating the challenges of the day and the pathways to meet them, reinforcing all the reasons why we must never let despair triumph over hope and effort.”
He also praised the quality of the readings and discussions: “The seminar readings were astounding in their profundity, and we give huge thanks to the team that compiled that amazing collection of work. The materials touched on lessons drawn from around the world through literary and artistic pieces created in altogether different times from ours, but which remain enduring nonetheless.”
Baba concluded with a powerful endorsement: “In conclusion, there can be no other gathering or experience that leaves one’s soul and mind as replenished, affirmed, empowered, enamoured, and energised as an ALI seminar. Let us continue to give Isaac Shongwe’s incredible vision life.”
Malixole Percy Mahlathi’s Reflections
Malixole Percy Mahlathi, from Class 5 – Mayihlome, shared his unique perspective on the seminar’s impact: “The ALI SA seminars have a tendency to evoke emotions and an element of surprise even within the owners of such emotions. These are brought out with each ‘check in’ and each ‘check out’.”
Malixole highlighted the power of poetry in the seminar: “Poetry has never been a subject that I even try to master. Often my mind loses the ‘network’ and ‘locks’! However, I have never enjoyed the unravelling of meaning of each poem like I did during this seminar. The Gulf Stream! Shame! Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market! You name them, these shook my brain to artistic and poetic sobriety.”
He also reflected on the seminar’s lasting impact: “I left the seminar venue with my mind lost in thought, asking how best ALI Fellows could scale up and transform this stimulation to a viable contribution as our country tries to reimagine itself. The first start, it seems, is to reinvigorate the ALI spirit in all its Fellows.”
A Call to Action: Join the Journey
As we look to the future, the Good Society Seminar serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together. To our Fellows who have yet to experience this transformative event, we urge you to seize the opportunity to attend future seminars. By participating, you not only enrich your own leadership journey but also contribute to the collective wisdom and strength of our fellowship. Together, we can address Africa’s most pressing challenges and work towards realising the vision of a truly good society.
The path to a brighter future for our continent lies in our hands, and it begins with coming together, sharing our experiences, and inspiring one another to reach new heights of ethical and impactful leadership. In the words of Baba Mashologu, let us “never let Despair prevail over Hope and Effort.”
Join us at the next Good Society Seminar and be part of this transformative journey. Together, we can turn the page on Africa’s story and write a new chapter of prosperity, unity, and positive change. Let us heed the call to action and continue to build a network of change-makers and innovators that will shape the future of our beloved continent. As Dr Reuel Khoza said, “Thinking about thinking is an imperative.“
