Adv Thuli Madonsela to address Extraordinary South Africans

This is the fourth facilitated conversation in a series with outstanding South Africans who represent all that is extraordinary about being a South African on the national and global stage.

"The individuals we have selected display an unparalleled ability to inspire and influence others. They are individuals with proven demonstrable leadership qualities who continue to shape the course and direction of history. They live a life committed to a greater good for all and are all we aspire to emulate," explains Teresa Jenkins, CEO of Litha Communications.

"We opened with Wendy Luhabe, followed with Sandile Zungu, got into a healthy 2014 with Tim Noakes and now can hear from one of South Africa's most respected women."

Profile

During the apartheid era, Madonsela served in the ANC, participating in the armed liberation struggle and in the United Democratic Front anti-apartheid organisation. She believes that holding political office would not be her 'best contribution as a human being'. In 1994 she declined the position of ANC MP in South Africa's first post-apartheid Parliament.

Madonsela has worked for trade unions and in both the public and private sectors since the 1980s. She was a member of the team who drafted the final constitution of South Africa promulgated by then President Nelson Mandela in 1996. Prior to her appointment as Public Protector, Madonsela served as a full-time member of the South African Law Reform Commission, appointed to the position in 2007 by then President Thabo Mbeki.

Madonsela was appointed Public Protector by President Jacob Zuma for a non-renewable seven-year term, commencing 19 October 2009, with unanimous support from the multi-party National Assembly. At the announcement of her appointment, Zuma said Madonsela "will need to ensure that this office continues to be accessible to ordinary citizens and undertakes its work without fear or favour".

Madonsela likens her role as Public Protector to the Venda makhadzi ('aunt'), a non-political figure who "gives the people a voice while giving the traditional leader a conscience".

Powerful networking

The audience of the series is the top one-third of South African society, who is accustomed to or wishes to seek meaning and inspiration from others who have taken the road less travelled. Age and experience barriers break down in the face of such powerful motivators.

"As one of this group, you want to redesign the 'what' and 'how' South Africans think about themselves and others in order to build and share in its extraordinary future. Obsessed with creating win-win scenarios, you are a decision-maker who wants to broaden your horizons through impactful interchange of ideas and thoughts with other free thinkers," adds Jenkins.

"This inspiring time with an Extraordinary South African offers you the opportunity to be stirred into action by the speaker and the interchanges that follow. The connections you make and extend will motivate you to share this knowledge and encourage more people to think beyond the obvious to the extraordinary."

Benefitting 'Nelson Mandela - Champion Within' programme

The proceeds from the Extraordinary South Africans Series events go to the 'Nelson Mandela - Champion Within' programme, developed by the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation and Life College - all not-for-profit organisations. The programme is based on the book, "Conversations with Myself', by Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who said, "Thinking is one of the most powerful weapons in dealing with problems."

The programme provides organisations, universities and youth with an experiential, highly engaging learning experience in critical thinking, reflection, legacy-making and the power of self-directed question - all of this in the company of the life work of Nelson Mandela. It teaches one that the root of greatness is purpose-centred, critical consciousness, to better understand and build one's own champion mentality, which can be applied to all aspects of one's life.

The fee is R395 per person or a group cost per person of R350 on 10 or more joint bookings. The fee includes lunch.

More to come

"Over 2014, the line-up of the calibre of South Africans you will meet, hear and engage with are individuals who have made a significant and unparalleled impact in their chosen field, be it in government, business, science, academia or society. These include former President Thabo Mbeki; Lewis Pugh; Bishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu; Professor Tim Noakes; Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; Patrice Motsepe; Prof Jonathan Jansen, to mention just a few. We look forward to welcoming extraordinary South Africans in our audiences," concludes Jenkins.

Booking is essential; to reserve your seat, call Vuyo Sigonya on +27 (0) 11 484 7663 or email az.oc.snoitacinummocahtil@oyuv.