Covenant University Journal of Politics & Internationall Affairs. Vol. 8 No. 1, June 2020 ISSN: p. 2354-3558 e. 2354-3493 DOI: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Open Access Journal Available Online

The Leadership Styles of as a Pattern for African Leaders

Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva

Department of Political Science, Federal University Dutsin-ma, Katsina State- Nigeria [email protected] & [email protected], [email protected]

Received: 16.05.2020 Accepted: 18.06.2020 Date of Publication: June, 2020

Abstract: The paper discusses the leadership style of Nelson Mandela as a model for African leaders in a bid to addressing the challenge of leadership crisis in African. While secondary data was used to support the arguments in the paper, content analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings of the paper show that, Nelson Mandela was a selfless humanist anti-apartheid revolutionist who stood for equality, justice, peace and freedom. It was also found that Mandela was not power amok like other African leaders, Mandela’s insistence not to be in office for more than four years as the President of , his determination, spirit of forgiveness and willingness for reconciliation, were discovered to be responsible for Mandela’s exceptional leadership style in Africa. In the conclusion it is argued that the leadership style of Mandela was undoubted responsible for him being a leader par excellence in Africa. It is recommended that African leaders should be willing to immolate the leadership style of Mandela in order to resolve the leadership crises in Africa. If the African Union does not rise fast to promote the leadership style of Nelson Mandela among African leader, the continent will continue to experience the crisis of leadership that produces underdevelopment. Key Words: Leadership Style, Nelson Mandela, Leadership Model, African Leaders

Introduction struggled for the freedom, justice and Mandela was born in Mvezo on 18 equality of South Africans from white July 1918 and died on 5 December domination under the apartheid 2013. During his lifetime, he system. In the cause of the struggle, 49

Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64 he displayed a rare leadership style, manipulate the desperate poor, and which are not only revered in Africa those put in place to manage alone but in the entire global institution of the state. These community. The objective of the consequently undermine African’s paper is to discuss some of the potentials for development. prominent leadership styles of Nelson The significance of the study is that, Mandela, both as a revolutionary by exposing Mandela’s lifestyles, the leader and as the President of South present and future African political Africa; as a model for leadership in leaders may have reasons to learn to Africa. These are very crucial for adopt and correct the ills of political overcoming undue craving for leadership that has bedevilled the political power, bad leadership and continent since her independence poor development on the continent of from colonialism, especially the Africa. problem of seat-tight leadership. This study contributes to the extant The following parts of the paper literature on leadership challenge in discuss the conceptual definitions, contemporary African. by arguing that theoretical framework, the historical African leaders, particularly the background of Nelson Mandela, his contemporary ones crave for political lifestyles and the lessons for the power insatiably and are ever willing contemporary African Leaders. to remain in authority power Following these, it will provide perpetually as if there are no others relevant recommendations towards fellow citizens who are capable of improving African leadership. leadership. It argues that, in the quest Theoretical framework for attaining or retaining the political There are numerous theories that are power, many African leaders have often used to analyse leadership, sought to alter or bastardize the laws including political leadership, of the state such as the constitution or prominent among which are the great electoral laws that brought them into man theory, trait theory, behavioural power; or by causing divisions among theory, contingency theory, situational the people, as well as social and theory etc. (Bolden, Gosling, political tensions and instabilities. Marturano and Dennison 2003; Such leaders care more about their Nanjundeswaraswamy and Swammy personal interest, which is self- 2014). In this paper however, the enrichment rather that promoting the Leadership Style Theory is chosen interest of the general population, because it is considered more which was why they were elected as appropriate in explaining Nelson leaders. The quest for power has made Mandela leadership style as a model some leaders to become very corrupt for African leaders. as they immerse much wealth for The Leadership Style Theory, also themselves and use same to buy in referred to as behavioural theory their ways or retain political power opposes Trait theory of leadership, positions. They use of wealth to which assumes that leaders are born

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Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64 rather than made, and that leaders are democratic leadership styles. Laissez more likely to be effective when they faire leadership style is a style in possess certain traits (qualities) which which leaders encourage their subjects are inherited rather than acquired. The to participate in decision-making and Style theory argues that, it is not what leadership process but without close qualities leaders inherit but what they supervision (Foster 2002; Robbins do (i.e. their behaviours) that and Decenzo 2004; Woods, 2010; determines whether they are good and Nanjundeswaraswamy and Swammy effective at leading or not. 2014).

The theory is a product of different Most African leaders, even though studies conducted in Ohio State democracies tend to display tendency University, Michigan University and for autocratic leadership instead of the Blake and Mouton Managerial these democratic leadership styles Grid (Foster 2002; Woods, 2010). The because of their attitudes of craving proponents of the theory hold that for political power and unwillingness leadership qualities can be acquired to relinquish it as at when due, lack of through learning and observation, and tolerance for opposition, public not necessarily inherited at birth. opinion, disregard for the interest of There are three main leadership styles their subjects among others. These identified by this theory, which are: leaders reflect less democratic style; Autocratic Style/ Authoritarian Style talk less of laisses fairs style. On the of Leadership; Democratic Style or contrary however, Mandela’s participatory Style of Leadership; and leadership combines the democratic Laisses faire Style or Delegative Style style, laissez faire styles except for of Leadership. Autocratic leadership autocratic style. He also demonstrated style is the style by which leaders are the mastery of situational and too conscious of their power and contingent leadership style. Mandela position. Autocratic leaders have less has demonstrated capacity to place the regards for the opinion of their interest of his people above his subjects. They take most of the personal interest in the fight against decisions without consulting their apartheid and has encouraged subjects and demonstrate less collective leadership through his tolerance for opposition and they have philosophy of leading from behind by suppressive tendency. Democratic giving his followers the chance to leadership style is the style by which participate in the leadership process. leaders put the interest of their Thus, he was also able to promote followers above personal interest. trust, confidence and commitment of This style of leadership also his population. encourages participation of subjects in Why Nelson Mandela’s Leadership decision-making and the leading Styles Should serve as a Model for process. Choi (2007) identified Africa Leaders Sacrifice, Courage, symbolism, The leadership styles of Nelson Participation, and Vision as good Mandela which was manifest in

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Selflessness Vision and The leadership styles Mandela has left Determination, Politics without behind are great legacies that can bitterness: Forgiveness and serve as a model for other African reconciliation, Participation: Leading leaders to apply. It is hoped that when from Behind, Symbolism and they apply these leadership styles, Willingness to Quit Political Power at there will be better leadership in the the Right Time; are highly considered continent and good governance, peace in this paper as model for African and stability will improve greatly. leaders because these styles are 3. Brief Biography of Nelson compatible with democratic practices, Mandela good governance and political Both in his lifetime and after his stability, which most African leaders death, Mandela has been recognized lack or fail to portray. and described in different ways as a Most contemporary African leaders man of good virtues and high repute. are democratic but lot of them have He was an African Nationalist resorted to insatiable craving for (Lodge, 2006), anti-apartheid power, and unwillingness to hand revolutionary, Socialist (Smith, 2010), over political power as at when due, Liberal African Nationalist-decolonial disregard for the good of followers, humanist (Ndlovu-Gatshen, 2014), which have resulted to poor Freedom Fighter, the father of the governance, lack of transparency, nation, Icon of democracy and social corruption, political instability, justice, advocate of social justice, a insecurity, among others. As a result, politician, a lawyer, a peace lover, the Africa has witnessed and still having architect of modern South Africa, the some of the oldest and longest serving first democratically elected black presidents or Heads of State, some of South African President, a which have stayed in office for as philanthropist and a hero not only to long as 14 - 44 years and have been the black race but to the world at seeking re-elections which is unlike large. Mandela won hundreds of the philosophy of Mandela. For prices globally, key among which was example, President Paul Biya of the Nobel Peace Prize (BBC News, Cameroon (44 years), Teodoro 2013).

Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea Nelson Mandela was born in 18 (40 years), Dennis Sassou-Nguesso of January 1918 in Mvezo, Umtata in Republic of Congo (35 years), Yoweri present day South Africa. He was a Museveni of Uganda (33 years), Idriss descendent of the Thembu Royal Derby of Chad (29 years), Paul family because , his Kagame of Rwanda (28 years), Isaias great-grand father was the King of Afewerki of Eritrea (27 years), Ismail Thembu. His father, Gadla Henry Omar Guelleh of Djibouti (20 years) Mphakanyiswa Mandela (1880-1928), Hage Geingob of Namibia (19 Years) served as a local Chief and a and Faure Gnassingbe of Togo (14 councillor to the King of Thembu years), (Nyanchama 2020). from 1915 to 1926. Gadla had four

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Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64 wives, the third of which was complete his degree programme. Mandela’s mother. He also had After, Mandela enrolled again for a thirteen children, nine out of which BA degree at the University of South were females and the other four were Africa, which he completed in 1943. male, which include Mandela. He went further to study law at the Mandela was nine years old when his University of Witwatersrand. There, father died, and he was taken to the Mandela faced racial discrimination royal family by his to mother, where being that he was the only black he was raised at his early childhood African student in the school. In under the guardianship of regent chief August 1943, he also participated in a Jongintaba Dalindyebo. There he got successful boycott in protest for of exposed to the Thembu customs and hike in bus fare, for which the strength of black leadership that students demanded reduction. shaped his thinking and struggle, Thereafter, Mandela worked as a after. The names Rolihlahla and lawyer in before Madiba, also known as Mandela’s engaging in anti-colonial movement names, were Xhosa names. The (Mandela, 1994; Meredith, 2010; former means troublemaker while the Sampson, 2011; Smith, 2010). latter is a mere can name (Boehmer, Mandela died at Johannesburg, 2008; Mandela, 1944; Meredith, South Africa on 5 December 2010; Sampson, 2011; Smith, 2010). 2013, at the age of 95, as a result of a Nelson Mandela had three wives, prolonged respiratory infection. His namely Evelyn, Winnie and Graça death received official announcement (Meredith, 2010; Smith, 2010; of South African President, Jacob Sampson, 2011). Zuma in the National TV where he Mandela was enrolled into Baptist said, ‘Our nation has lost its greatest Methodist school in 1933 by his son’ (BBC News, 2013). mother. The school was mostly Factors that shaped the Leadership attended by student from Thembu. It Styles of Nelson Mandela was in that school that Mandela got As philosophies are shaped by the English name Nelson, from his specific circumstances of the time teacher. In 1937, he also attended the they evolve. The leadership styles of Methodist College at Forte Beautfort, Nelson Mandela were shaped by Healdton. Later, he attended several factors and circumstances, University of Forte Hare, for a BA some of which include; his early degree but towards the end of the first upbringing, colonialism/ Apartheid in year, he was suspended along other South Africa, political struggle, prison students for participating in a boycott experience, ethics and morality, the organized by the Students influence of some political Representative Council (SRC) in philosophers like of Gandhi and protest hike poor quality of food Nehru, Lembede, Moses, Marxist served to the student. Mandela left Socialism, Communism, among without completing returning to others.

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Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64 a. Early Upbringing massive oppression and sharp Although, Mandela did not spend inequality from the white population much time with his father as a result and in all social, political and of his early death, according to economics spheres of life. The Mandela, he inherited from his father, apartheid system was abolished when his ‘proud rebelliousness’ and a new democratic government under ‘stubborn sense of fairness’ (Mandela, President F. W. de Klerk assumed 1994, p.20). He also learnt much power in 1991 (Mandela, 1994; about the strength of African Meredith, 2010; Sampson, 2011; leadership in his early stay at the royal Smith, 2010). family at Thembu. Some prominent examples of the b. Colonialism/ Apartheid in South apartheid laws include the Population Africa:\ Registration Act of 1950- this Act Apartheid was a system of minority classified South Africans population white domination over the majority according to biological races i.e. black in South Africa, characterized white, coloured, Asian or mixed by racial discrimination and colour. Under this Act, South Africa segregation in favour of the white population were registered based on coloured population against the black their racial identities. Another one is coloured population South Africans. the Separate development policy i.e. Apartheid started with the the ‘Promotion of Bantu Self- introduction of a Land Act in 1913, Government Act of 1959) introduced some years after South African by Dr. Hendrick Verwoerd, the then independence. The Act restricted South Africa Prime Minister. With black Africans access to certain land this policy, blacks Africans were areas and confined them to specific forcefully relocated to separate reserved (Feinberg, 1993; Beinart, settlements known as Bantu Homes 2014). However, the apartheid system (Balwin, 1978; Encyclopaedia was institutionalized by the African Britannica, 2020).

National Party-led government (also Prominent examples of sharp known as the all-white government) inequalities suffered by the black which came into power in Republic of South Africans included prohibition South Africa in 1948. During its of the blacks from the utility of same campaign, the party used the slogan social facilities such that public ‘Apartheid’ which meant schools, toilets, residential areas, as separateness. The party meant to they were categorized along white create separation between the white versus black zones; marriages were and the black. Upon coming to power, prohibited between the black and the government made some legislation white, among others. that gave the apartheid system, not Marxist Socialism and only a political basis but also a legal Communism: Mandela was backing. Under apartheid, the black influenced by Marxist Socialist South African population suffered philosophy i.e. scientific socialism

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Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64 and communism. In his revolutionary his exposure to Communist support movement, he went against for national liberation wars etc. capitalism, private ownership of land. Theses exposures influenced Mandela Instead, he advocated for the to change his mind and embrace the established a complete classless Philosophy of Karl Marx (Mandela, society. However, at different 1994; Lodge, 2006; Meredith, 2010; instances, he denied being a The Economist, 2013). On this communist (The Economist, 2013), development, Mandela confessed that including during his trial for treason, he ‘found (himself) drown into the in his interaction with the media and (idea) of classless society, which to in his autobiography (Ellis, 2016). (his) mind was a similar to traditional

Initially, Mandela was more inclined African culture where life was shared to an Africanist anti-colonialism and and communal’ (Mandela, 1994, p.172). anti-apartheid approach, as against a united front or multi-racial approach, d. Political Struggle against a position held by his ANC associate, Colonialism and Apartheid: Lembede with whom they co-founded Mandela started participating in anti- the ANC Youth League. In March colonial and African nationalist 1950, Africans, Communists activists politics when he worked as a layer in and Indians organized a multi-racial Johannesburg. There he became a convention titled ‘Defend Free Speech member of the African National Convention’ in which they called for a Congress (ANC) in 1943 whose name May Day General Strike to protest was Anton Lembede. Lembede was racial discrimination under the an anti-colonialist and anti- apartheid system. However, Mandela imperialist, who influenced Mandela kept away from the strike because he profoundly. Together, they co- was not comfortable with the multi- founded the ANC Youth League racial or joint front approach. The (ANCYL) in 1944. Lembede became strike resulted to the arrests of several the President while Mandela served as participants as well as the formulation an executive committee member. of the Suppression of Communist Act Later, Mandela became the President 1950 by the apartheid government. In of the Transvaal branch of the ANC in December 1951, Mandela opposed the 1951 (Mandela, 1944; Meredith 2010; multi-racial approach at the ANC Sampson, 2011).

National Conference, but the majority In 1948, when the white-only voted against his stance (Mandela, government introduced the apartheid 1944; Smith, 2010; Sampson, 2011). system, Mandela and ANC resolved Mandela’s position begun to change to fight the government until they when he became exposed to the ideas overthrew it and end the racial of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Moa discrimination. Influenced by the Zedong, among others through much ideas of Mahma Ghandi of India, readings; coupled with the influence Mandela embraced the idea of non- of his friends like Moses Kotane, and violent resistance. The ANC, the

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Communist Groups and the Indians for racial civil war in South Africa organized a joint non-violent which prompted his release by the resistance campaign against apartheid. F.W. de Klerk-led government. Madela mobilized about 10,000 Mandela gained back his freedom people on 22 June 1952, but he was from the prison in 1990. Klerk went arrested (Madela, 1994, p.183-188; into negotiations with Mandela on the Lodge, 2006, p.52-53). Due to the need to end apartheid, the outcome of arrest, the number of participants which was the agreement to hold a increased from 20,000 to 100,000. In multiracial general election in 1994. response, the government introduce Mandela contested in the election and the Public Safety Act of 1953 to allow won with decisive victory. He became for the application of Marshal Law. the first black South African President Also, the government banned the of South Africa in 1994 and served Transvaal ANC President from until 1999. As President, Mandela appearing in public, as a result focused on reconciling between racial Mandela was elected as the next groups, leading to the formation of the president to replace him (Mandela, Truth and Reconciliation 1944; Meredith, 2010; Sampson, Commission, headed by Desmond 2011). Tutu. He also became committed to

Mandela joined the South African fighting racial segregation and social Communist Party, though secretly and injustice in all forms; combating engineered a sabotage campaign to poverty, land reforms, improving bring down apartheid. For that health care services, among others (Mandela, 1994; Sampson, 2011). purpose, he co-founded the militant organization called Unkhonto we Nelson Mandela’s Leadership Sizwe (The Spear of the Nation in Styles as a Pattern for African 1961). The group was created as part leaders of the effort to change strategy Mandela has left good legacies of because a peaceful approach was no good leadership styles which African longer effective in influencing leaders can learn from to correct the government action to end the racial ills of bad leadership on the continent. discrimination. A statement by the former Cuban

In 1962, Mandela was arrested and former President, Fidel Castro, lays tried in Rivonian for conspiracy to credence to this assertion where he says that; overthrow the state. The international community condemned his trial and If one wanted an example of an called for his release, including the absolute upright man, that man, World Peace Council, the United that example would be Mandela. Nations, among others. He was If one wanted an example of an unshakable firm, courageous, sentenced to life imprisonment, and heroic, calm, intelligent, and he was detained in prison for 27 years. capable man, that man and that His prolonged detention created an example would be Mandela. I atmosphere of serious tension and fear did not just reach this conclusion

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after having met him in person ... Blair, the former British Primes I have though this for many minister said that Mandela had: years. I identify him as one of a very clear vision before he left the most extra-ordinary symbols prison that his mission was to unite of this era (Boehmer, 2008, p.2). his country and not simply to

To start with, it is pertinent to note dismiss apartheid. And that that, there is no single written single political skill that he had is what book that contains all the lifestyles of people don’t get about him. He Mandela per se. However, this paper was a masterful politician (BBC made a great effort by reading through News, 2013). However, his visionary leadership the insightful writings of Mandela, his style, Mandela distinguished himself various speeches, attitude and among African leaders through responses to the circumstances he selfless services and sacrifice for his found himself in the cause of his own people. In in his Nobel Award political struggles against colonialism Ceremony Speech, he wrote that: and racial domination under the we devote what remains of our apartheid system in South Africa. In lives to the use of our country’s this paper, we considered the unique and painful experience to following leadership styles of Nelson demonstrate in practice that the Mandela as good models other normal condition for human African leaders can learn from i.e. existence is democracy, justice, Selflessness Vision and peace, non-racism, non-sexism, Determination, Politics without prosperity for everyone, a healthy bitterness: Forgiveness and environment and equality and Reconciliation, Participation: Leading solidarity among the people (Ali- from Behind, Symbolism and Dinar, 1993). From the above quotation, it is clear Willingness to Quit Political Power at that Mandela had a clear vision for his the Right Time. struggle which shaped his a. Selflessness Vision and determination and commitment. More Determination so, he was never interested in Mandela believes in uncompromising achieving personal gains or taking vision for the liberation of Black credit for his actions but consistent South African from racial focused on accomplishing the greater discrimination under apartheid vision he had for his people. Even regime. In the words of Prof. Anders when situations offer such Hallengren of the Department of opportunities, he did not compromise History of Literature and History of his vision for South Africa for any Ideas at University of Stockholm, personal benefit. For example, when ‘Mandela forged a vision of humanity he was charged in Rivonia in that encompasses all peoples and that Supreme Court, for conspiracy and sets the hallmark for the rest of the sabotage to overthrow the South world’ (Hallengren (1999). Also, African apartheid government, while describing Mandela, Tony Mandela said he was prepared to die

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Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64 if that would eliminate discrimination questioned the kind of freedom he against the black Africans (Meredith, was to be given. He asked, ‘what 2010; Sampson, 2011). He stated that freedom am I being offered while the that organization of the people [ANC] During my lifetime, I have remains banned? Only free men can dedicated myself to the struggle negotiate a prisoner cannot enter into of the African people. I have contract’ (Lodge, 2006, p.157). Later, fought against white domination, Mandela and other ANC prisoners and I have fought against black were offered release from prison and domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free legal recognition for the existence of society in which all persons live the ANC, on the condition that they together in harmony and with must not insist on majority rule, break equal opportunities. It is an ideal away from communist party, and in which I hope to live for and to denounce violence. Yet, Mandela achieve. But, if needs be, it is an maintained his already known ideal for which I am prepared to position and only guaranteed that they die (Brink, 1998; Nelson can only renounce violence if the Mandela, Foundation 2018). government renounces same against Mandela did not allow his the black South Africans (Lodge, Ngubengcuka royal family 2006). membership status to drop his fight against discrimination against the Mandela maintained determination black Africans. and resoluteness in the pursuit of his While in prison, Mandela was elected vision but was dynamic in his as the prisoner’s representative and he approach and strategy. For example, used that position to fight for the he strongly believed in democracy improvement of the welfare of black and majority rule. He respected the African prisoners. As a result of his idea of collective action and equality efforts, by 1967, the prisoners had of people, justice and justice their conditions improved, and were irrespective of racial differences. allowed to wear long trousers, However, to make leadership participate in games and have better effective, he also believes that there quality food to eat (Meredith, 2010; are times when a leader needs to take Sampson, 2011). Mandela was earlier decisive decision or action even granted permission to wear long without having to consult with trousers, but he refused to accept the followers in order to achieve a desired preferential treatment because the objective for the general good other prisoners were not extended (Suttner, 2007). During his anti- same privileges (The Economist, colonial struggle and after, Mandela 2013). changed strategies from non-violent resistance to violent resistance, Again, while still in prison, Mandela negotiation, reconciliation and was offered a condition for release forgiveness. from the prison in 1985, he declined to accept the conditions and

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The Economist (2013) explains that could be fostered in society. Hence, Mandela’s switch of strategy to leaders must learn to forgive each guerrilla struggle was not motivated other in order to achieve a common by any selfish desire to take power by goal. After his release from the prison, force or to instigate needless violence. and upon becoming the president, At first, he was more favourable with Mandela demonstrated this rare sabotage to avoid direct attack on attitude. Although, he was oppressed, people and casualties but reluctantly injured and humiliated but after the 27 did so because it was apparent that the years of imprisonment, he sought for extent of repression by the reconciliation rather than the government would not guarantee retaliation of the ill treatment successful change if matched with perpetrated by apartheid against his peaceful struggle. It states that: black fellows or himself. He met with

When he came to accept the his former oppressors, offered his principle of armed struggle, his personal forgiveness, and reconciled strategy was not to seize power with them, instead of taking by force but rather to make the vengeance. According to Mandela, government negotiate. And ‘Courageous people do not fear when, in turn the government forgiveness, for the sake of peace’ eventually yielded, Mr. Mandela (Meredith, 2010, p.523-524). Mandela showed neither bitterness nor vindictiveness, but an maintained that lack of forgiveness astonishing capacity for beclouds the mind and blocks vision forgiveness and conciliation (The for leaders. While responding to a Economist, 2013). media interview in 2007, he was Eventually, Mandela opted to asked how he was able to keep hatred negotiation with the apartheid in check. Mandela responded by government. This strategy, with the saying the ‘Hatred beclouds the mind help of some other factors helped and it gets in the way of strategy. greatly in bringing an end to the Leaders cannot afford to hate’. On apartheid regime in South Africa. this note, even the immediate past Therefore, depending on the white president of South Africa, circumstance that avails itself, President, and FW de Klerk described leadership should be dynamic as long Mandela as a ‘Unifier’ and a person as the strategy adopted will help in with ‘remarkable lack of bitterness’ attaining the general good, and not (BBC, 2013). After Mandela created selfish ambitions. the Truth and Reconciliation b. Forgiveness and reconciliation Commission, he says that the Mandela understood that in politics, commission ‘had helped us move conflicts must occur but democratic away from the past, to concentrate on politics should be without bitterness. the present and the future (Meredith, 2010, p.563; Sampson, 2011, p.532). However, he demonstrated that through forgiveness and Mandela set up the Truth and reconciliation, peace and progress Reconciliation Commission to

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Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64 investigate the address human rights leadership (Lizza, 2011; CNN violation that occurred under the 2008). apartheid system. If this has helped to The notion of leading from behind keep South Africa together, learning should not however be misunderstood from Mandela can help contemporary as unwillingness to lead or shying African leaders in creating and away from responsibility by Mandela preserving peace in contemporary but imply at least two important facts among their people. Learning from that can potentially improve Mandla, Koffi Anan the Chairman of leadership in Africa. Firstly, it implies Elders group left a strong message at collective leadership whereby the the death of Mandela for African leader gives stake or opportunity for leaders, where he says that: others i.e. the nimble, otherwise the

While I mourn the loss of Africa’s smartest people to take the lead as the most distinguished leaders, leader provides the direction to Madiba’s legacy beckons us to follow. The nimble may be smart and follow his example to strive for able people, who can help in carrying human rights, reconciliation and out the vision of the leader. By so justice for all (BBC, 2013).c. doing, the nimble can make their own c. Participation: Leading from contributions in moving of Behind government in the desired directions. Mandela demonstrates that leadership Secondly, it implies tutorship. This is like shepherding. He believes that goes to say that, by leading from leaders should act like shepherds who behind, the younger generation can be selects the smartest flocks and put tested with the task of leading. them in the front to take the lead, d. Symbolism while the sheered stays behind flocks. Mandela demonstrated that a leader Through this style, leaders encourage should a symbol of what he wants the participation of followers and team society to achieve. Mandela stood for work, which is a vital practice in equality and justice for all. democratic leadership. A leader, Throughout Mandela’s struggles Mandela says: against apartheid and leadership of ...stays behind the flock letting the South Africa, he demonstrated that for most nimble go out ahead, fighting against both black and white whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along that they domination. are being directed from behind’ In an interview with Ophra Winfrey in (Eckert and Rweyongoza, 2015, 2001, Nelson Mandala says that: p.2). If there is any significant role that I Mandela further says that, as a leader: played, it was that of being a It is better to lead from behind and vessel through which the struggle to put others in front, especially was presented to the nation and to when you celebrate victory when the world. The struggle had to nice things occur. You take the have a symbol for it to be front line when there is danger. effective. The great men and The people will appreciate your women of the struggle chose that I

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be that symbol. If this was a good would definitely have individuals that thing, praise must go back to those can provide credible leadership who made the choice (Boehmer, behind them, due to the experiences 2008, p.173). and wisdom they have unto their e. Willingness to Quit Political successors.

Power at the Right Time Finally, the end of Mandela was good, Mandela left a powerful legacy that cherished and highly celebrated in leaders must not seek to perpetuate Africa and the world at large. He was themselves in power. When his five- among world leaders who had a sense year tenure finished in 1999, he quit of true fulfilment (The Economist, the stage for others to carry on from 2013) supports this claim as follows: where he stopped. Despite call from Mr. Mandela lived long enough his fellow people to re-contest and to see his work through. That lead them, Mandela declined. gave him his great achievement

In his political struggle, Nelson and his story a happy ending. believes that leadership is a And the modern world loves a happy hero even more than a responsibility that cannot be finished tragic one (The Economist, at once. In the , 2013). where Mandela wrote an Conclusion and Recommendations autobiography of himself, he says The paper discusses the leadership that; I have walked that long road to styles of Nelson Mandela as a model freedom. I have tried not to for African leaders. Africa has been falter; I have made missteps going through numerous leadership along the way. But I have challenges which have persisted and discovered the secret that after there is no credible model that can dimpling a great hill, one only guide the leaders to provide better finds that there are many more leadership for the political stability hills to climb. I have taken a and development of the continent. In moment here to rest, to steal a this paper, we felt that the leadership view of the glorious vista that style exemplified by the prominent surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I African leader, Nelson Mandela is can only rest for a moment, for lying in waste, and should be revisited with freedom come and recommend to African leaders to responsibilities, and I dare improve leadership on the continent.

linger, for my long walk is not Mandela’s leadership styles referred yet ended (Boehmer, 2008, to in this paper were largely drawn p.176). from his actions and attitudes However, Mandela’s style suggests displayed in the cause of his struggle that there may not actually be against colonialism and apartheid unfillable leadership vacuum. This is regime in South Africa and while as because, when leaders put others (i.e. the President of the Republic of South the younger generation in the front Africa. Prominent among them are: line) as they lead from behind, they

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Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64 selfless vision, leadership from 2. African leaders should always behind, forgiveness and reconciliation endeavour to train others while willingness to quit political power as in office and prepare them for at when due, among others are future leadership role. Once recommended as imperatives for good they do that, they can always political leadership, stability, peace, lead from behind with the and development in Africa. wealth of their experience and

The paper demonstrated that wisdom like Mandela did in Mandela’s lifestyles have incredibly South Africa. guided him to achieve the vision he 3. African leaders should lead had for the freedom of the black race with vision, determination and against oppression in South Africa selflessness. They should quit and to lay a good foundation for putting their personal interest selfless leadership. Although, his above that of their fellow struggle mainly centres on the citizens. Nelson Mandela freedom of the black South Africans, sacrifices his liberty for the the lifestyles of Nelson Mandela are freedom of South Africans, and exemplary model for contemporary with determination, he earned African leaders to learn and follow if that freedom he desired for the continent must do away with the South African. By applying this problem of bad leadership and make kind of leadership styles, progress. The paper therefore African leaders can overcome recommends as follows: most of the problems bedevilling the continent. 1. African leaders should 4. African Union (AU) should endeavour to quit public office immortalize Nelson Mandela once they have exhausted their with an annual leadership tenures, as constitutionally summit for African leaders as stipulated. Once they do that, an avenue to expose them to the they will not only allow the leadership virtue of Mandela. political process of their 5. The AU should come up with respective countries to go an award scheme in different undistorted, stable, peaceful aspects of leadership to be and progressive, but they will given to deserving African also earn good repute from their leaders during annual citizens and Africans like leadership summit on Nelson Nelson Mandela who until his Mandela. deal, was highly revered even globally.

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