The annual Archbishop Thabo Makgoba lecture on Values-based Leadership was hosted by the Faculty of Humanities and the Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Leadership and Governance on 9 May 2024. Archbishop Thabo and Lungi Makgoba, and the Trustees of the ATMDT endow the lecture series accompanied by a student essay competition.
The 2024 Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Essay Competition challenged final-year students to explore values-based leadership in times of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA)" over the past 30 years of democracy in South Africa. Students were encouraged to present their ideas convincingly and persuasively, drawing on real-world examples and personal insights. The competition aimed to foster critical thinking and highlight the importance of ethical leadership in shaping a better future.
A total of twenty-six submissions were received from different faculties. A panel of adjudicators from the Department of Management and Leadership assessed the submissions and selected the top three winning essays.
The 2024 Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Essay Competition winners announced on the evening of the public lecture at the Conference Centre at North Campus are:
First Place: Lillian Mudau is a third-year Bachelor of Administration student in the Department of Public Management and Leadership. Lillian emphasised the importance of leading by example, highlighting how it fosters trust and credibility within an organisation, especially in the face of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity). In her discussion, she also underscored fostering open communication and transparency to keep everyone informed about changes and developments for improved efficiency and trust. The significance of prioritising stakeholder interests over short-term gains is critical, and understanding and addressing the needs and expectations of stakeholders is crucial during turbulent times. Lastly, she pointed out that innovation and creativity are vital drivers of growth and success, asserting that organisations able to find creative solutions are more likely to thrive under challenging conditions.
The second prize went to Emmanuel Mathivha, a final year student in Bachelor of Human Settlements Development in the Department of Building and Human Settlements. Emmanual highlighted several best practices to enhance values-based leadership in VUCA environments. Initially, he highlighted that fostering a values-driven culture is essential, integrating core values into all operations and decisionmaking processes. Promoting open communication, embracing diversity and inclusion, adaptability to change, and authenticity and transparency were some of the practices he highlighted. He refers to Nelson Mandela, highlighting the values-based leadership during South Africa's transition from apartheid. In his reflection, the student noted that Nelson Mandela's clarity of purpose, authenticity, adaptive mindset, empowerment of others, and servant leadership are critical to his success. He indicates that Nelson Mandela's commitment to justice, reconciliation, and inclusivity inspired hope, catalysed positive change, and demonstrated the transformative power of values-based leadership in VUCA environments.
Third Place: Athenkosi Fani is a BA Honours in Corporate Communication student in the Department of Media and Communication. Fana argued that effective leadership grounded in solid values is essential for guiding organisations through VACU environments. He emphasises ethical decision-making, stakeholder engagement, responsible innovation, adaptability, effective communication, and continuous learning as critical principles of values-based leadership. Fana highlights how ethical decision-making forms the foundation of values-based leadership, guiding leaders to uphold organisational values and societal norms. He stresses the importance of stakeholder engagement in fostering collaboration and aligning organisational goals with stakeholder interests. Additionally, Fana discusses responsible innovation as a driver of growth while maintaining ethical standards, and he emphasises the need for adaptability and effective communication to navigate uncertainty with confidence. According to Fana, continuous learning ensures leaders remain agile in the face of change.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the 2024 Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Essay Competition winners. We hope your contributions will inspire other students to enter the competition next year and explore their ideas of value-based leadership.
Far right RMC Interim Director: Prof Enaleen Draai, middle: Lillian Mudau (1), Far left: Emmanuel Mathivha (2). Athenkosi Fani (3) was unfortunately unwell and could not attend the prize giving ceremony.