South Africa’s youngest dean, Professor Thabo Msibi shared his leadership experiences with students from the Durban University of Technology’s International Centre for Non-Violence (ICON) leadership programme, on Friday, 25 August 2017.

At just 34 years old, the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) school of Education new dean, Professor Thabo Msibi spoke of how in a society where ageism and the colour of your skin was used to define the type of leader you are or will be, shared how he had to rise above all the stereotypes.

“Everyone needs an opportunity without being judged based on their age, race or colour of their skin. Sadly we live in a society where regardless of your leadership skills and hardwork, you are still judged on that. When given the opportunity, you need to excel and prove those who lack confidence in you wrong,” advised Prof Msibi.

According to Prof Msibi, in any leadership role, it is a prerequisite for a leader to know and understand the policies along with the constitution that governs the organization they lead in.

“Policies and lack of understanding of the constitution in the organisation you are leading in can get any leader into trouble. When you are a leader, it is important that you are transparent and have faith in the systems in place for you to work with. When you do everything by the book, it is unlikely that you will fail,” added Prof Msibi.

Furthermore, he (Prof Msibi) warned young aspiring leaders of the type of people they surround themselves with. He stressed the importance of tolerance and respect of those surrounding you despite of their attitude and doubt towards you. He also advised leaders to let go of past mistakes and not to hold onto grudges even towards those who are continuously undermining their leadership skills.

“You cannot be a leader alone, every leader has followers and you need those followers. Letting go of grudges and all the hurt and pain caused by those who continuously aim to bring you or your leadership ethics down, will not hinder any progress as a leader. People can make or destroy you, how you react to that is up to you. Each and every leader needs to have people to talk to and not bottle things up. Be able to listen and serve with care whilst at the same time setting boundaries,” reiterated Prof Msibi.

Pictured: Professor Thabo Msibi and Crispin Hempson, Director for International Centre of Non-Violence.

Mbuso Kunene