From the Baobab to the Mosquito: Rethinking Leadership Through African Sayings

by Letlhokwa George Mpedi

African leadership is in crisis. The legacy of colonialism has prevailed, while novel challenges such as the pandemic, substantial developmental setbacks, the scourge of corruption and troughs in growth have challenged the 'Africa Rising' narrative that once dominated. In a deeply fragmented and uncertain world, one might 'What is the source of inspiration for leadership?'As leaders are faced with the seemingly insurmountable task of rebuilding Africa's economies, structures and systems, there is an argument to be made that leadership approaches should be uniquely and distinctly African.Letlhokwa George Mpedi draws inspiration from African culture and African approaches to challenge the prevailing systems. By exploring select proverbs and sayings, Letlhokwa identifies the tenets of successful and effective leadership. Traversing the ages, sourcing from indigenous practices, drawing from different regions and exploring diverse cultural references from the continent, he finds common threads to rethink the practice of leadership.From the Baobab to the Mosquito emphasises the value of collaboration and collective decision-making, reflecting the communal values that are at the heart of many African cultures. It offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about individual achievement, but about building strong relationships, fostering a sense of community, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.Through this collection of African concepts in a contemporary context, Letlhokwa George Mpedi sounds the call for authentic African leaders.Letlhokwa George Mpedi is the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg and a Professor of Labour and Social Security Law at the same institution. Before his current position as Vice-Chancellor he served as Head of the Department of Practical Business Law, Vice-Dean, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Deputy Academic.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2023

Reviews

[JournalsTLY]

A book written around African traditional wise sayings meant to exhort and remind African leaders about wise leadership.

Somewhere at the start starts is a nice quote from Jack Ma - the world needs new leadership , but the new leadership is about working together.

Back into Africa, there are frequent mention of the term “Ubuntu “ – an African concept of values and practices that contribute holistically to society. Nelson Mandela on “ ubuntu” – says “we are human only through the humanity of others” (pg 65/66)

And a proverb in Setswana language – “kingship is often intoxicating essay on corruption. From what little I know of African politics - Botswana, where Setswana is spoken widely, has stable elected governments over the years. Perhaps they do heed their own wisdom sayings to good outcome.

A Ghana proverb – “wisdom is like a baobab tree , you cannot embrace it alone” . This lifestyle is being challenged in increasing “ western individualism”.

Unbutu gives room for differences as seen in this Zambian proverb, “If two wise men always agree , then there is no need for one of them”.

But disagreement is no reason for fury. Proverb – A warrior fights with courage , not with anger”.

Enriching book for Africa and us all.