Transformative leadership in Africa: Thabo Mbeki and Africa's development agenda
Date
2010-07-27T11:38:04Z
Authors
Hlongwane, Khensane
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Abstract
Abstract
The debate on the causes of Africa’s underdevelopment has offered different explanations for the
deplorable state of the continent’s development. While some argue that Africa’s socio-economic
malaise finds its roots in the structural adjustment policies and programmes (SAPs) of the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank1, other scholars believe that the real
impediment to sustained economic growth and development in Africa has more to do with
political leadership and the absence of good governance than with economic plans or reforms.
These scholars have established a causal relationship between political leadership and economic
development, arguing that the two are intimately interrelated, each being a cause and effect of the
other2. What is more, these scholars have argued that if the continent is to recover from its
economic malaise, “it needs leaders who are strong and self-confident, creators of great ideas and
who are totally committed to Africa’s economic recovery”3. It is against this background that this
research report will contribute to these discussions, by establishing a framework within which
leadership, and more specifically transformative leadership can be measured and understood to be
effective in moving the African continent forward from its current state of crisis, in a spirited and
collective effort. In this regard, the report will evaluate former President Thabo Mbeki’s
leadership style and the extent to which it can be considered as transformative. It will be argued
that his leadership, was not only in response to the burgeoning crisis in Africa, but also sought to
conceptualise and provide a visionary framework which aimed to harness the developmental
potential Africa.