“Leaders we admire do not place themselves at the center, they place others there. They do not seek the attention of people, they give it to us.” James Kouzes

In a small town, surrounded by mountains, populated by a people who call themselves “Coloured”. I have found many such leaders…

“Coloured” a term given to a sector of the population that is neither black nor white. The Apartheid governments race classification, grouped together people of Khoi and San descent, people of Malay descent and people of mixed descent. I am what is commonly referred to as a Cape Malay coloured… it is neither offensive nor derogatory…

In 1997, a 12 year old girl goes missing out this town. Within two days, without the assistance of parents or teachers, grade 5b, the class of which this girl is a member, organises a march for the safe return of there friend.
434 people attended.

This is leadership…

A Mother gives up her career to raise her child. In the eyes of those from “better” communities, it might be frowned upon or seen as unnecessary. But in a community where gangsterism , drugs and teenage pregnancy is rife. It seems like the biggest sacrifice.

This is Leadership…

A teacher, with a class of fifty-two students, in their final year of high school avails herself for private tuition for every single member of that class. This teacher has her own family and her own life. yet for a few short months she made great sacrifices to ensure that these students rise above there circumstances and make something of their lives.
Not one of the 52 students failed that year.

This is Leadership…

These are but a few exmaples of how normal people, with very little money, no political aspirations, and nothing to gain, showed what true leadership is.

Usually when we think of leadership, we think of those at the forefront of political parties. our mayors and premiers , and presidents.

Yet it is those forgotten few. Those who sometimes don’t receive recognition for actions , who make up my definition of leadership.

My country has recently come under extensive criticism, both inside and outside, for what seems to be a lack of moral leadership. People have suggested we look to the likes of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Malcolm X, Steve Biko and Martin Luther King. And draw out of these great Leaders some moral substance…

Even though these leaders are great rolemodels. There exists a Biko in that grade 5b class. A King in my very own mother, and a Mandela in my grade 12 English teacher.

In each and every member of my family, in each and every member of my community, in each and every member of the SAWIP team, there exists the potential to be great leaders. And it doesnt have to be as a President of a country , a congressman or a mayor. It is simply by caring enough for others and wanting to make a difference in there lives.

This is what motivated the likes of Mandela and King, and this is also what motivated my mother, that grade 5b class, and my English teacher.

My country, is not devoid of moral leadership, in fact it rings from every valley and every town. From every Hamlet and Every City. From every Home and every School. It is in fact ordinary people who make my country great, and it is because of the sacrifices of ordinary people that im standing here today…