Communication in the spotlight at MAD Leadership Foundation summit

MAD Leadership Foundation provides opportunities for South Africa's next generation of leaders through quality education, leadership development and mentorship programmes. Key speakers at this year's event included MAD Leadership Foundation founding chairman Francois Pienaar, Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Rapelang Rabana, Lynette Francis, Mondli Makhanya, Aletta Rochat and Carel Nolte.

Francois Pienaar comments, “The Make A Difference Leadership Foundation Annual Leadership Summit this year saw 158 of our scholars engaging with some of South Africa’s influential leaders of industry. We focused on the theme of communication in a leadership context, inviting challenging dialogue and topical discussions, expertly facilitated by Russell Raath (President of Kotter Consulting & a Member of the Senior Leadership Team at Kotter International) and Rudi Buys (Dean of Humanities at Cornerstone Institute & consultant in youth development, higher education management and activist for reconciliation and transformation in higher education). The calibre of conversations, leadership values practiced and critical thinking skills we refine with our scholars over the course of the five days at the summit, ensure their continued development, providing them with the necessary tools to reach their full potential as future leaders of South Africa.”

On the third day, iconic activist and keynote speaker Dr Mamphela Ramphele led an engaging conversation that addressed the topic of reimagining South Africa by focusing on healing the divisions of the past by encouraging inter-generational conversations and how, we as citizens, can be co-owners of our country.

This theme was developed later the same day by Rapelang Rabana, Founder & CEO of Rekindle Learning, Executive Director Isela Capital & Young Global Leader - World Economic Forum. Rapelang spoke on success factors for both business and leadership, such as living with intentionality, creating your own sense of value and determining your “non-negotiables” in your leadership style and personal direction.

Pienaar closed the Summit by addressing the scholars on the role of values as a core functional element of leadership. Reflecting on lessons learnt through his sporting and business experience, and the influence of the inspiration behind Make a Difference Leadership Foundation, Nelson Mandela.

Other topics of discussions included ‘Social Media and Leadership Activation’ by Carel Nolte, ‘How to Shape your message to the world’ by Lynette Francis from SABC, and an address from Mondli Makhanya, Editor-in-Chief of City Press.

For more information visit www.madleadership.org