With local government elections appearing on the horizon within the next 12 months, South Africa finds itself at a crossroads. Speaking at Stellenbosch University (SU) on 18 March 2026, renowned business leader Prof. Bonang Mohale delivered a searing “performance review” of the nation’s leadership, reminding citizens that democracy is not a spectator sport.
Democracy: A Shield Against Tyranny
Delivering the 14th annual honorary FVZS lecture, Mohale challenged the traditional view of elections. Drawing on the philosophy of Karl Popper, he argued that the true value of a vote isn’t just to find a “hero,” but to provide a peaceful “mechanism of correction.”
“Democracy should not be understood as a system for electing the best leaders, but as a mechanism to prevent tyranny—a peaceful way to remove bad leaders.” — Prof. Bonang Mohale.
The 6-Point Leadership Checklist
As South Africans prepare to head to the polls, Mohale outlined a non-negotiable framework for the type of leaders the country deserves:
- Defeating State Capture: Leaders dedicated to rooting out systemic corruption.
- Broad-Based Transformation: Ensuring the economy finally reflects the country’s demographics.
- Radical Ethics: Doing the right thing “when no one is watching.”
- Incorruptible Governance: Protecting the resources meant for the sick, the young, and the vulnerable.
- True Servant Leadership: Choosing “the Toyota Yaris over the Bentley”—prioritizing public service over personal prestige.
- Restoring Law and Order: Ensuring the fundamental right to safety for every citizen.
The “Long Walk to Dakar”: 15 Years of the FVZS Institute
The lecture also marked the 15th anniversary of the Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert (FVZS) Institute. Named after the late bridge-builder who facilitated the historic 1987 Dakar talks, the Institute remains a “living space” for leadership development.
The Celebration Continues: To honor this milestone, the Institute has launched the “Long Walk to Dakar” campaign.
- The Goal: Collectively log 10,000km on the Strava app.
- The Mission: Raise R150,000 to send 10 student leaders to an African Youth Summit in Senegal this October.
- The Spirit: Echoing the courage of those who traveled to Dakar in 1987 to envision a new South Africa.
The Role of the “Student Citizen”
Mohale’s closing remarks were a direct challenge to the youth. He argued that universities must produce “problem-solvers, not just degree holders.” He reminded students that they are not the leaders of tomorrow, but the architects of today.
