The lecture, hosted by the Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Governance and Leadership under the Faculty of Humanities at Mandela University, honours the legacy of Oom Ray – as the Centre’s patron was affectionately known – as a champion of ethical leadership, accountability and integrity.
A stalwart of the South African liberation struggle, Mhlaba was the first democratically elected premier of the Eastern Cape, and the University’s annual public lecture not only pays tribute to his contribution to social justice, but also reaffirms the importance of addressing the country’s most pressing social issues.
Prof Nkuhlu, an accomplished academic and business leader, will draw from his distinguished career and his recent book, Purposeful Leadership for Africa in the 21st Century, to reflect on Mhlaba’s legacy and explore the qualities of ethical, accountable and transformative leaders.
Businesswoman and agricultural economist, Ms Thabi Nkosi, and independent researcher and television show host, Ms Fundiswa Skweyiya, will enrich the discussion as respondents. The session will be facilitated by economist and strategist, Mr Xhanti Payi.
The lecture seeks to bridge academic theory and lived experience, offering a platform for reflection on purposeful leadership. It also aligns with a concept being developed at the University’s Centre — the Mandela Mhlaba Fellowship for Transformational Leadership — aimed at nurturing a new generation of leaders inspired by the ethical principles of Nelson Mandela and Raymond Mhlaba.
“In line with our commitment to change the world and be a dynamic African university, we are making our contribution to transformative leadership in society by hosting such a focused lecture by an eminent South African, who brings together a wealth of experience in leadership, higher education and practice,” says the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof Pamela Maseko.
“We look forward to an insightful address by Prof Nkuhlu and we hope that it is going to strike the right chord in stimulating debate and action towards results-driven leadership in our country and the entire African continent.”
Earlier in the day, Prof Nkuhlu will give a masterclass to students, titled “The Africa-Asis Paradox: Why have abundant resources and rich culture not driven postcolonial economic transformation in Africa?”, with Mr Payi and Mandela University honours in Political and Conflict Studies, Gabrielle Theunissen, as respondents.
The annual public lecture series continues to provide space for critical dialogue and learning. Last year’s Raymond Mhlaba public lecture, delivered by Prof Richard Levin, focused on “The Land Question and Labour Tenancy in South Africa Today.”