Mandela and South African Youths: Grooming Leaders of Tomorrow

Abstract

SummaryThe aim of this article is to explore the leadership qualities of Nelson “Rolihlahla” Mandela in order to find out how his style of leadership can act as a source of inspiration for the South African youths. Mandela has received many accolades in South Africa, Africa and from the western world for applying “humanistic” principles in his leadership style, and for laying the foundation of democracy in post-independent South Africa. He is described as “an inspirer”, “a philanthropist”, “a man of great integrity”, and a “tactical genius” (Inspire 2014: 4). Works that emphasise the magnanimity of Mandela, however, also point at generosity as a one of his weaknesses. This article will acknowledge that Mandela ‒ like any great leader ‒ possessed his own weaknesses and yet that would not deter him from laying a firm foundation for future leadership among South African youths that, if taken seriously, can profoundly influence their ways of thinking and acting.