Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the life of former President Nelson Mandela was about purpose and about ensuring that every South African, regardless of race, gender or background, had the opportunity to live with dignity and hope.
“For many people, Nelson Mandela is remembered as our first democratically elected President. Others remember him as a global icon of peace and reconciliation,” Mhlauli said.
Speaking at the occasion of Nelson Mandela Day Student Leadership and Dialogue and Services held in the Eastern Cape today, Mhlauli told the guests to remember Madiba differently.
“I would like us to remember him as someone who believed in people. He believed in the potential of young people. He believed in the transformative power of education. He believed that leadership should always be guided by humility, compassion and service,” Mhlauli said.
The Deputy Minister said when people speak about leadership, they often focus on positions of authority, they think about presidents, ministers, CEOs or principals.
“But leadership does not begin when someone gives you a title. Leadership begins with the choices you make every single day. It begins with how you treat the people around you. It begins with how you respond when faced with challenges. It begins with whether you choose to lift others up or leave them behind,” she said.
Mhlauli told the students that leadership is not about being the most popular person on campus. "It is about earning the trust of those you represent. It is about ensuring that every student feels heard, respected and valued,” she said.
“Leadership is not measured by how many people know your name. It is measured by how many lives are better because you chose to serve. Madiba understood this better than anyone,” she said.
The Deputy Minister said even after spending 27 years in prison, Madiba emerged with a heart committed to reconciliation instead of revenge.
“He chose unity over division and dialogue over conflict. He understood that true leaders do not ask,” Mhlauli said.
Mhlauli told the students that every assignment they complete with integrity, every innovative idea they develop, every community project they participate in, and every fellow student they encourage contributes to building the South Africa we all want.
“Our institutions of higher learning are more than places where qualifications are earned. They are spaces where values are shaped and where confidence is built. They are spaces where future leaders discover who they are and what they stand for.
“Some of South Africa's greatest leaders first discovered their passion for justice while they were students. They learnt to organise. They learnt to listen. They learnt to debate respectfully. They learnt that leadership requires courage, discipline, and accountability. Today, you have the same opportunity. Do not underestimate the significance of where you are.
“The lessons you learn here will influence the kind of leaders you become tomorrow. And our country needs leaders who are not only intelligent, but ethical. Leaders who are not only ambitious, but compassionate. Leaders who are not only successful but committed to serving others,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
