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OPINION Decolonising the mind Posted Thu, 03 Mar 2005
Have you ever wondered why a disproportionate number of African leaders are
better known for their oppressive policies and the size of their mansions than for
their role in effecting positive changes in their communities?
This question has generated serious debate among academics and concerned citizens who recognise that unleashing Africa�s leadership potential is a critical prerequisite for any form of sustainable development. By Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
The challenge of Leadership development in Africa
was discussed and debated recently at the regional
meeting of the World Economic Forum in Maputo,
Mozambique. Mirroring the meeting of elders in
a traditional African village, panellists - including President
Thabo Mbeki, Armando Emilio Guebeza, the Secretary General
of Frelimo, Reuel Khoza, Chairman of Eskom, Adam Roberts of
the Economist Group and Peter Wilson of the African Leadership
Institute - gathered under the shade of fig trees to
discuss
the root of causes of Africa�s leadership problems and to generate
recommendations for preparing the next generation.
Throughout the session, a range of compelling ideas were
presented. Perhaps the most compelling argument was made by
President Mbeki. Using a series of light-hearted but powerful
illustrations, he blamed Africa�s leadership problems on the �decolonisation
of the soul and mind�. He emphasised that many
Africans have struggled to define their own identities. Unfortunately,
in their attempts to imitate the colonisers, they have failed
their people. Consider the example of Mobutu Sese Seko, whose
32-year reign of terror and kleptocracy closely resembled his
colonial master, King Leopold of Belgium.
The sad reality is that the concept of �servant leadership� was
never espoused or modelled by the colonialists. As a result, it
does not resonate in the modern African society. Indeed, Africa
is replete with examples of individuals in
positions of power and
authority, who believe that their workload should decrease as
they move up in rank. They are convinced that their followers
should serve them. The white man never carried his own bag, why should a �big� African man carry his?
While there is tremendous merit in the argument that the
�decolonisation of the mind and soul� has severely tainted
Africa�s present-day leaders, it is important to recognise that this
argument is not sufficient. After all, some African leaders narrowly
escaped colonialism and yet still face the same challenges
as those that did not.
I would argue that three additional factors are responsible
for Africa�s leadership problems. First, our education systems
are designed to stifle and stunt leadership development. Our
institutions do not provide a robust introduction to the concept
of leadership, nor do they create a medium for the study of the
lives of historical and present-day leaders. Instead, they
punish
students for taking risks, demonstrating creativity and challenging
the status quos.
Secondly, as other world regions coalesce around their national
and regional identities, Africa has followed the opposite
trend. The intense patriotism that many of the proponents of independence
demonstrated in the 50s and the 60s seems to have vanished. Most Africans are dreaming of leaving the continent.
Those who can afford to do so send their children abroad for a
�better education� and greener pastures. We have lost our deep
love and respect that is desperately needed to champion selfless
development.
Thirdly, the dearth of a strong and independent civil society
has allowed for unchecked abuses of power. As demonstrated
by the recent events in countries such as India, Brazil, Indonesia
and the Philippines, the presence of a free and powerful press
and strong advocacy groups, ensures the emergence of transparent,
effective and accountable
leadership.
But all hope is not lost. Africa must inspire, empower and
equip a new generation of leaders. I am convinced that the next
generation of leaders will leave a different legacy on the continent.
As stated by Reuel Khoza in his closing remarks at the
Maputo session, they will be known:
� Less for what they say and more for what they deliver
� Less by their titles and positions and more by their expertise
and competence
� Less by what they control and more about what they shape
� Less by the goals they set and more by the mindsets they
build
� Both for great personal integrity and for exceptional organisational
abilities.
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is the founder of the Leadership Effectiveness
Accountability and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa, a non-profit
organisation based in Nigeria.
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