THE late African-American civil rights stalwart, Dr Martin Luther King, once professed: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”.
For countless centuries, humans have been trying to comprehend the puzzling complexities of ‘leadership’. I have realised that ‘great leadership’ is modelled on humility, courage, inspiration and visionary intelligence. The greatness of leadership is usually displayed in times of hardship, adversity and controversy.
There is a remarkable distinction between a strong leader and a great leader. A strong leader believes in the use of coercion, anarchy and belligerence in resolving problematic challenges and situations. On the other hand, a great leader employs abstractive acumen, visionary intelligence and humility when resolving disputes and problems.
The challenges of the 21st century demand visionary intelligence, inspiration and humility of great leaders. The anarchic belligerence of strong leaders is not suitable for resolving our contemporary challenges. We need leaders whose leadership style is imbued with precision, diligence and humility. Personally, I’m always inspired by leaders who are greatly humble, amazingly sociable and distinctively approachable. I’m always in awe of leaders who are capable of rising above pettiness, small-mindedness and pedantry.
I always marvel at the sight of leaders who display courage and inspiration in the midst of hardships and adversity. We need visionary leaders who inspire people to reach for the stars and accomplish greatness.
On Wednesday evening premier, Stanley Mathabatha was interviewed on Capricorn FM by Thabiso Kotane. Those who diligently listened to that interview will attest that it was electrifying and superbly insightful. I was greatly inspired by the humility, tact and brilliance with which the premier responded to questions from Kotane and the listeners.
Last year, I coincidentally ran into the premier in Polokwane. Upon seeing me, he paused for a moment and kindly greeted me. Then he thoughtfully remarked: “Elvis, your critical analyses are helping us to create a caring, prosperous and resilient government. We truly recognise and appreciate your efforts.”
Mathabatha is a unique calibre of a leader who kindly embraces criticism and dissent of plurality of voices. The ideological complexion of his provincial cabinet (MECs) is evidently diverse and heterogenous.
Lastly, I urge the premier to summon to an urgent meeting all multinational companies and conglomerates which are operating in the province. The defining crux of that crucial meeting should be: “What kind of intervention could we collectively make to address the raging scourge of youth unemployment?”
