The Leadership Styles of Nelson Mandela as a Pattern for African Leaders
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Covenant University Journal of Politics & Internationall Affairs. Vol. 8 No. 1, June 2020
ISSN: p. 2354-3558 e. 2354-3493 DOI: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Open Access Journal Available Online
The Leadership Styles of Nelson Mandela as a
Pattern for African Leaders
Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva
Department of Political Science, Federal University Dutsin-ma, Katsina State- Nigeria
dimasgarba@yahoo.com & dgarba@fudutsinma.edu.ng, iakuva@fudutsinma.edu.ng
Received: 16.05.2020 Accepted: 18.06.2020
Date of Publication: June, 2020
Abstract: The paper discusses the leadership style of Nelson Mandela as a
model for African leaders in a bid to addressing the challenge of leadership
crisis in African. While secondary data was used to support the arguments in
the paper, content analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings of the
paper show that, Nelson Mandela was a selfless humanist anti-apartheid
revolutionist who stood for equality, justice, peace and freedom. It was also
found that Mandela was not power amok like other African leaders,
Mandela’s insistence not to be in office for more than four years as the
President of South Africa, his determination, spirit of forgiveness and
willingness for reconciliation, were discovered to be responsible for
Mandela’s exceptional leadership style in Africa. In the conclusion it is
argued that the leadership style of Mandela was undoubted responsible for
him being a leader par excellence in Africa. It is recommended that African
leaders should be willing to immolate the leadership style of Mandela in
order to resolve the leadership crises in Africa. If the African Union does not
rise fast to promote the leadership style of Nelson Mandela among African
leader, the continent will continue to experience the crisis of leadership that
produces underdevelopment.
Key Words: Leadership Style, Nelson Mandela, Leadership Model, African
Leaders
Introduction struggled for the freedom, justice and
Mandela was born in Mvezo on 18 equality of South Africans from white
July 1918 and died on 5 December domination under the apartheid
2013. During his lifetime, he system. In the cause of the struggle,
49Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
he displayed a rare leadership style, manipulate the desperate poor, and
which are not only revered in Africa those put in place to manage
alone but in the entire global institution of the state. These
community. The objective of the consequently undermine African’s
paper is to discuss some of the potentials for development.
prominent leadership styles of Nelson The significance of the study is that,
Mandela, both as a revolutionary by exposing Mandela’s lifestyles, the
leader and as the President of South present and future African political
Africa; as a model for leadership in leaders may have reasons to learn to
Africa. These are very crucial for adopt and correct the ills of political
overcoming undue craving for leadership that has bedevilled the
political power, bad leadership and continent since her independence
poor development on the continent of from colonialism, especially the
Africa. problem of seat-tight leadership.
This study contributes to the extant The following parts of the paper
literature on leadership challenge in discuss the conceptual definitions,
contemporary African. by arguing that theoretical framework, the historical
African leaders, particularly the background of Nelson Mandela, his
contemporary ones crave for political lifestyles and the lessons for the
power insatiably and are ever willing contemporary African Leaders.
to remain in authority power Following these, it will provide
perpetually as if there are no others relevant recommendations towards
fellow citizens who are capable of improving African leadership.
leadership. It argues that, in the quest Theoretical framework
for attaining or retaining the political There are numerous theories that are
power, many African leaders have often used to analyse leadership,
sought to alter or bastardize the laws including political leadership,
of the state such as the constitution or prominent among which are the great
electoral laws that brought them into man theory, trait theory, behavioural
power; or by causing divisions among theory, contingency theory, situational
the people, as well as social and theory etc. (Bolden, Gosling,
political tensions and instabilities. Marturano and Dennison 2003;
Such leaders care more about their Nanjundeswaraswamy and Swammy
personal interest, which is self- 2014). In this paper however, the
enrichment rather that promoting the Leadership Style Theory is chosen
interest of the general population, because it is considered more
which was why they were elected as appropriate in explaining Nelson
leaders. The quest for power has made Mandela leadership style as a model
some leaders to become very corrupt for African leaders.
as they immerse much wealth for The Leadership Style Theory, also
themselves and use same to buy in referred to as behavioural theory
their ways or retain political power opposes Trait theory of leadership,
positions. They use of wealth to which assumes that leaders are born
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50Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
rather than made, and that leaders are democratic leadership styles. Laissez
more likely to be effective when they faire leadership style is a style in
possess certain traits (qualities) which which leaders encourage their subjects
are inherited rather than acquired. The to participate in decision-making and
Style theory argues that, it is not what leadership process but without close
qualities leaders inherit but what they supervision (Foster 2002; Robbins
do (i.e. their behaviours) that and Decenzo 2004; Woods, 2010;
determines whether they are good and Nanjundeswaraswamy and Swammy
effective at leading or not. 2014).
The theory is a product of different Most African leaders, even though
studies conducted in Ohio State democracies tend to display tendency
University, Michigan University and for autocratic leadership instead of
the Blake and Mouton Managerial these democratic leadership styles
Grid (Foster 2002; Woods, 2010). The because of their attitudes of craving
proponents of the theory hold that for political power and unwillingness
leadership qualities can be acquired to relinquish it as at when due, lack of
through learning and observation, and tolerance for opposition, public
not necessarily inherited at birth. opinion, disregard for the interest of
There are three main leadership styles their subjects among others. These
identified by this theory, which are: leaders reflect less democratic style;
Autocratic Style/ Authoritarian Style talk less of laisses fairs style. On the
of Leadership; Democratic Style or contrary however, Mandela’s
participatory Style of Leadership; and leadership combines the democratic
Laisses faire Style or Delegative Style style, laissez faire styles except for
of Leadership. Autocratic leadership autocratic style. He also demonstrated
style is the style by which leaders are the mastery of situational and
too conscious of their power and contingent leadership style. Mandela
position. Autocratic leaders have less has demonstrated capacity to place the
regards for the opinion of their interest of his people above his
subjects. They take most of the personal interest in the fight against
decisions without consulting their apartheid and has encouraged
subjects and demonstrate less collective leadership through his
tolerance for opposition and they have philosophy of leading from behind by
suppressive tendency. Democratic giving his followers the chance to
leadership style is the style by which participate in the leadership process.
leaders put the interest of their Thus, he was also able to promote
followers above personal interest. trust, confidence and commitment of
This style of leadership also his population.
encourages participation of subjects in Why Nelson Mandela’s Leadership
decision-making and the leading Styles Should serve as a Model for
process. Choi (2007) identified Africa Leaders
Sacrifice, Courage, symbolism, The leadership styles of Nelson
Participation, and Vision as good Mandela which was manifest in
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51Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
Selflessness Vision and The leadership styles Mandela has left
Determination, Politics without behind are great legacies that can
bitterness: Forgiveness and serve as a model for other African
reconciliation, Participation: Leading leaders to apply. It is hoped that when
from Behind, Symbolism and they apply these leadership styles,
Willingness to Quit Political Power at there will be better leadership in the
the Right Time; are highly considered continent and good governance, peace
in this paper as model for African and stability will improve greatly.
leaders because these styles are 3. Brief Biography of Nelson
compatible with democratic practices, Mandela
good governance and political Both in his lifetime and after his
stability, which most African leaders death, Mandela has been recognized
lack or fail to portray. and described in different ways as a
Most contemporary African leaders man of good virtues and high repute.
are democratic but lot of them have He was an African Nationalist
resorted to insatiable craving for (Lodge, 2006), anti-apartheid
power, and unwillingness to hand revolutionary, Socialist (Smith, 2010),
over political power as at when due, Liberal African Nationalist-decolonial
disregard for the good of followers, humanist (Ndlovu-Gatshen, 2014),
which have resulted to poor Freedom Fighter, the father of the
governance, lack of transparency, nation, Icon of democracy and social
corruption, political instability, justice, advocate of social justice, a
insecurity, among others. As a result, politician, a lawyer, a peace lover, the
Africa has witnessed and still having architect of modern South Africa, the
some of the oldest and longest serving first democratically elected black
presidents or Heads of State, some of South African President, a
which have stayed in office for as philanthropist and a hero not only to
long as 14 - 44 years and have been the black race but to the world at
seeking re-elections which is unlike large. Mandela won hundreds of
the philosophy of Mandela. For prices globally, key among which was
example, President Paul Biya of the Nobel Peace Prize (BBC News,
Cameroon (44 years), Teodoro 2013).
Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea Nelson Mandela was born in 18
(40 years), Dennis Sassou-Nguesso of January 1918 in Mvezo, Umtata in
Republic of Congo (35 years), Yoweri present day South Africa. He was a
Museveni of Uganda (33 years), Idriss descendent of the Thembu Royal
Derby of Chad (29 years), Paul family because Ngubengcuka, his
Kagame of Rwanda (28 years), Isaias great-grand father was the King of
Afewerki of Eritrea (27 years), Ismail Thembu. His father, Gadla Henry
Omar Guelleh of Djibouti (20 years) Mphakanyiswa Mandela (1880-1928),
Hage Geingob of Namibia (19 Years) served as a local Chief and a
and Faure Gnassingbe of Togo (14 councillor to the King of Thembu
years), (Nyanchama 2020). from 1915 to 1926. Gadla had four
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52Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
wives, the third of which was complete his degree programme.
Mandela’s mother. He also had After, Mandela enrolled again for a
thirteen children, nine out of which BA degree at the University of South
were females and the other four were Africa, which he completed in 1943.
male, which include Mandela. He went further to study law at the
Mandela was nine years old when his University of Witwatersrand. There,
father died, and he was taken to the Mandela faced racial discrimination
royal family by his to mother, where being that he was the only black
he was raised at his early childhood African student in the school. In
under the guardianship of regent chief August 1943, he also participated in a
Jongintaba Dalindyebo. There he got successful boycott in protest for of
exposed to the Thembu customs and hike in bus fare, for which the
strength of black leadership that students demanded reduction.
shaped his thinking and struggle, Thereafter, Mandela worked as a
after. The names Rolihlahla and lawyer in Johannesburg before
Madiba, also known as Mandela’s engaging in anti-colonial movement
names, were Xhosa names. The (Mandela, 1994; Meredith, 2010;
former means troublemaker while the Sampson, 2011; Smith, 2010).
latter is a mere can name (Boehmer, Mandela died at Johannesburg,
2008; Mandela, 1944; Meredith, Gauteng South Africa on 5 December
2010; Sampson, 2011; Smith, 2010). 2013, at the age of 95, as a result of a
Nelson Mandela had three wives, prolonged respiratory infection. His
namely Evelyn, Winnie and Graça death received official announcement
(Meredith, 2010; Smith, 2010; of South African President, Jacob
Sampson, 2011). Zuma in the National TV where he
Mandela was enrolled into Baptist said, ‘Our nation has lost its greatest
Methodist school in 1933 by his son’ (BBC News, 2013).
mother. The school was mostly Factors that shaped the Leadership
attended by student from Thembu. It Styles of Nelson Mandela
was in that school that Mandela got As philosophies are shaped by
the English name Nelson, from his specific circumstances of the time
teacher. In 1937, he also attended the they evolve. The leadership styles of
Methodist College at Forte Beautfort, Nelson Mandela were shaped by
Healdton. Later, he attended several factors and circumstances,
University of Forte Hare, for a BA some of which include; his early
degree but towards the end of the first upbringing, colonialism/ Apartheid in
year, he was suspended along other South Africa, political struggle, prison
students for participating in a boycott experience, ethics and morality, the
organized by the Students influence of some political
Representative Council (SRC) in philosophers like of Gandhi and
protest hike poor quality of food Nehru, Lembede, Moses, Marxist
served to the student. Mandela left Socialism, Communism, among
without completing returning to others.
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53Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
a. Early Upbringing massive oppression and sharp
Although, Mandela did not spend inequality from the white population
much time with his father as a result and in all social, political and
of his early death, according to economics spheres of life. The
Mandela, he inherited from his father, apartheid system was abolished when
his ‘proud rebelliousness’ and a new democratic government under
‘stubborn sense of fairness’ (Mandela, President F. W. de Klerk assumed
1994, p.20). He also learnt much power in 1991 (Mandela, 1994;
about the strength of African Meredith, 2010; Sampson, 2011;
leadership in his early stay at the royal Smith, 2010).
family at Thembu. Some prominent examples of the
b. Colonialism/ Apartheid in South apartheid laws include the Population
Africa:\ Registration Act of 1950- this Act
Apartheid was a system of minority classified South Africans population
white domination over the majority according to biological races i.e.
black in South Africa, characterized white, coloured, Asian or mixed
by racial discrimination and colour. Under this Act, South Africa
segregation in favour of the white population were registered based on
coloured population against the black their racial identities. Another one is
coloured population South Africans. the Separate development policy i.e.
Apartheid started with the the ‘Promotion of Bantu Self-
introduction of a Land Act in 1913, Government Act of 1959) introduced
some years after South African by Dr. Hendrick Verwoerd, the then
independence. The Act restricted South Africa Prime Minister. With
black Africans access to certain land this policy, blacks Africans were
areas and confined them to specific forcefully relocated to separate
reserved (Feinberg, 1993; Beinart, settlements known as Bantu Homes
2014). However, the apartheid system (Balwin, 1978; Encyclopaedia
was institutionalized by the African Britannica, 2020).
National Party-led government (also Prominent examples of sharp
known as the all-white government) inequalities suffered by the black
which came into power in Republic of South Africans included prohibition
South Africa in 1948. During its of the blacks from the utility of same
campaign, the party used the slogan social facilities such that public
‘Apartheid’ which meant schools, toilets, residential areas, as
separateness. The party meant to they were categorized along white
create separation between the white versus black zones; marriages were
and the black. Upon coming to power, prohibited between the black and
the government made some legislation white, among others.
that gave the apartheid system, not
only a political basis but also a legal Marxist Socialism and
Communism: Mandela was
backing. Under apartheid, the black
influenced by Marxist Socialist
South African population suffered
philosophy i.e. scientific socialism
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54Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
and communism. In his revolutionary his exposure to Communist support
movement, he went against for national liberation wars etc.
capitalism, private ownership of land. Theses exposures influenced Mandela
Instead, he advocated for the to change his mind and embrace the
established a complete classless Philosophy of Karl Marx (Mandela,
society. However, at different 1994; Lodge, 2006; Meredith, 2010;
instances, he denied being a The Economist, 2013). On this
communist (The Economist, 2013), development, Mandela confessed that
including during his trial for treason, he ‘found (himself) drown into the
in his interaction with the media and (idea) of classless society, which to
in his autobiography (Ellis, 2016). (his) mind was a similar to traditional
Initially, Mandela was more inclined African culture where life was shared
to an Africanist anti-colonialism and and communal’ (Mandela, 1994,
anti-apartheid approach, as against a p.172).
united front or multi-racial approach, d. Political Struggle against
a position held by his ANC associate, Colonialism and Apartheid:
Lembede with whom they co-founded Mandela started participating in anti-
the ANC Youth League. In March colonial and African nationalist
1950, Africans, Communists activists politics when he worked as a layer in
and Indians organized a multi-racial Johannesburg. There he became a
convention titled ‘Defend Free Speech member of the African National
Convention’ in which they called for a Congress (ANC) in 1943 whose name
May Day General Strike to protest was Anton Lembede. Lembede was
racial discrimination under the an anti-colonialist and anti-
apartheid system. However, Mandela imperialist, who influenced Mandela
kept away from the strike because he profoundly. Together, they co-
was not comfortable with the multi- founded the ANC Youth League
racial or joint front approach. The (ANCYL) in 1944. Lembede became
strike resulted to the arrests of several the President while Mandela served as
participants as well as the formulation an executive committee member.
of the Suppression of Communist Act Later, Mandela became the President
1950 by the apartheid government. In of the Transvaal branch of the ANC in
December 1951, Mandela opposed the 1951 (Mandela, 1944; Meredith 2010;
multi-racial approach at the ANC Sampson, 2011).
National Conference, but the majority In 1948, when the white-only
voted against his stance (Mandela, government introduced the apartheid
1944; Smith, 2010; Sampson, 2011). system, Mandela and ANC resolved
Mandela’s position begun to change to fight the government until they
when he became exposed to the ideas overthrew it and end the racial
of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Moa discrimination. Influenced by the
Zedong, among others through much ideas of Mahma Ghandi of India,
readings; coupled with the influence Mandela embraced the idea of non-
of his friends like Moses Kotane, and violent resistance. The ANC, the
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55Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
Communist Groups and the Indians for racial civil war in South Africa
organized a joint non-violent which prompted his release by the
resistance campaign against apartheid. F.W. de Klerk-led government.
Madela mobilized about 10,000 Mandela gained back his freedom
people on 22 June 1952, but he was from the prison in 1990. Klerk went
arrested (Madela, 1994, p.183-188; into negotiations with Mandela on the
Lodge, 2006, p.52-53). Due to the need to end apartheid, the outcome of
arrest, the number of participants which was the agreement to hold a
increased from 20,000 to 100,000. In multiracial general election in 1994.
response, the government introduce Mandela contested in the election and
the Public Safety Act of 1953 to allow won with decisive victory. He became
for the application of Marshal Law. the first black South African President
Also, the government banned the of South Africa in 1994 and served
Transvaal ANC President from until 1999. As President, Mandela
appearing in public, as a result focused on reconciling between racial
Mandela was elected as the next groups, leading to the formation of the
president to replace him (Mandela, Truth and Reconciliation
1944; Meredith, 2010; Sampson, Commission, headed by Desmond
2011). Tutu. He also became committed to
Mandela joined the South African fighting racial segregation and social
Communist Party, though secretly and injustice in all forms; combating
engineered a sabotage campaign to poverty, land reforms, improving
bring down apartheid. For that health care services, among others
purpose, he co-founded the militant (Mandela, 1994; Sampson, 2011).
organization called Unkhonto we Nelson Mandela’s Leadership
Sizwe (The Spear of the Nation in Styles as a Pattern for African
1961). The group was created as part leaders
of the effort to change strategy Mandela has left good legacies of
because a peaceful approach was no good leadership styles which African
longer effective in influencing leaders can learn from to correct the
government action to end the racial ills of bad leadership on the continent.
discrimination. A statement by the former Cuban
In 1962, Mandela was arrested and former President, Fidel Castro, lays
tried in Rivonian for conspiracy to credence to this assertion where he
overthrow the state. The international says that;
community condemned his trial and If one wanted an example of an
called for his release, including the absolute upright man, that man,
World Peace Council, the United that example would be Mandela.
If one wanted an example of an
Nations, among others. He was
unshakable firm, courageous,
sentenced to life imprisonment, and heroic, calm, intelligent, and
he was detained in prison for 27 years. capable man, that man and that
His prolonged detention created an example would be Mandela. I
atmosphere of serious tension and fear did not just reach this conclusion
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56Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
after having met him in person ... Blair, the former British Primes
I have though this for many minister said that Mandela had:
years. I identify him as one of a very clear vision before he left
the most extra-ordinary symbols prison that his mission was to unite
of this era (Boehmer, 2008, p.2). his country and not simply to
To start with, it is pertinent to note dismiss apartheid. And that
that, there is no single written single political skill that he had is what
book that contains all the lifestyles of people don’t get about him. He
Mandela per se. However, this paper was a masterful politician (BBC
News, 2013).
made a great effort by reading through
However, his visionary leadership
the insightful writings of Mandela, his
style, Mandela distinguished himself
various speeches, attitude and
among African leaders through
responses to the circumstances he
selfless services and sacrifice for his
found himself in the cause of his
own people. In in his Nobel Award
political struggles against colonialism
Ceremony Speech, he wrote that:
and racial domination under the
we devote what remains of our
apartheid system in South Africa. In lives to the use of our country’s
this paper, we considered the unique and painful experience to
following leadership styles of Nelson demonstrate in practice that the
Mandela as good models other normal condition for human
African leaders can learn from i.e. existence is democracy, justice,
Selflessness Vision and peace, non-racism, non-sexism,
Determination, Politics without prosperity for everyone, a healthy
bitterness: Forgiveness and environment and equality and
Reconciliation, Participation: Leading solidarity among the people (Ali-
Dinar, 1993).
from Behind, Symbolism and
From the above quotation, it is clear
Willingness to Quit Political Power at
that Mandela had a clear vision for his
the Right Time.
struggle which shaped his
a. Selflessness Vision and determination and commitment. More
Determination so, he was never interested in
Mandela believes in uncompromising achieving personal gains or taking
vision for the liberation of Black credit for his actions but consistent
South African from racial focused on accomplishing the greater
discrimination under apartheid vision he had for his people. Even
regime. In the words of Prof. Anders when situations offer such
Hallengren of the Department of opportunities, he did not compromise
History of Literature and History of his vision for South Africa for any
Ideas at University of Stockholm, personal benefit. For example, when
‘Mandela forged a vision of humanity he was charged in Rivonia in Pretoria
that encompasses all peoples and that Supreme Court, for conspiracy and
sets the hallmark for the rest of the sabotage to overthrow the South
world’ (Hallengren (1999). Also, African apartheid government,
while describing Mandela, Tony Mandela said he was prepared to die
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57Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
if that would eliminate discrimination questioned the kind of freedom he
against the black Africans (Meredith, was to be given. He asked, ‘what
2010; Sampson, 2011). He stated that freedom am I being offered while the
that organization of the people [ANC]
During my lifetime, I have remains banned? Only free men can
dedicated myself to the struggle negotiate a prisoner cannot enter into
of the African people. I have contract’ (Lodge, 2006, p.157). Later,
fought against white domination, Mandela and other ANC prisoners
and I have fought against black
were offered release from prison and
domination. I have cherished the
idea of a democratic and free legal recognition for the existence of
society in which all persons live the ANC, on the condition that they
together in harmony and with must not insist on majority rule, break
equal opportunities. It is an ideal away from communist party, and
in which I hope to live for and to denounce violence. Yet, Mandela
achieve. But, if needs be, it is an maintained his already known
ideal for which I am prepared to position and only guaranteed that they
die (Brink, 1998; Nelson can only renounce violence if the
Mandela, Foundation 2018). government renounces same against
Mandela did not allow his the black South Africans (Lodge,
Ngubengcuka royal family 2006).
membership status to drop his fight
against discrimination against the Mandela maintained determination
black Africans. and resoluteness in the pursuit of his
While in prison, Mandela was elected vision but was dynamic in his
as the prisoner’s representative and he approach and strategy. For example,
used that position to fight for the he strongly believed in democracy
improvement of the welfare of black and majority rule. He respected the
African prisoners. As a result of his idea of collective action and equality
efforts, by 1967, the prisoners had of people, justice and justice
their conditions improved, and were irrespective of racial differences.
allowed to wear long trousers, However, to make leadership
participate in games and have better effective, he also believes that there
quality food to eat (Meredith, 2010; are times when a leader needs to take
Sampson, 2011). Mandela was earlier decisive decision or action even
granted permission to wear long without having to consult with
trousers, but he refused to accept the followers in order to achieve a desired
preferential treatment because the objective for the general good
other prisoners were not extended (Suttner, 2007). During his anti-
same privileges (The Economist, colonial struggle and after, Mandela
2013). changed strategies from non-violent
resistance to violent resistance,
Again, while still in prison, Mandela negotiation, reconciliation and
was offered a condition for release forgiveness.
from the prison in 1985, he declined
to accept the conditions and
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58Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
The Economist (2013) explains that could be fostered in society. Hence,
Mandela’s switch of strategy to leaders must learn to forgive each
guerrilla struggle was not motivated other in order to achieve a common
by any selfish desire to take power by goal. After his release from the prison,
force or to instigate needless violence. and upon becoming the president,
At first, he was more favourable with Mandela demonstrated this rare
sabotage to avoid direct attack on attitude. Although, he was oppressed,
people and casualties but reluctantly injured and humiliated but after the 27
did so because it was apparent that the years of imprisonment, he sought for
extent of repression by the reconciliation rather than the
government would not guarantee retaliation of the ill treatment
successful change if matched with perpetrated by apartheid against his
peaceful struggle. It states that: black fellows or himself. He met with
When he came to accept the his former oppressors, offered his
principle of armed struggle, his personal forgiveness, and reconciled
strategy was not to seize power with them, instead of taking
by force but rather to make the vengeance. According to Mandela,
government negotiate. And ‘Courageous people do not fear
when, in turn the government forgiveness, for the sake of peace’
eventually yielded, Mr. Mandela
(Meredith, 2010, p.523-524). Mandela
showed neither bitterness nor
vindictiveness, but an maintained that lack of forgiveness
astonishing capacity for beclouds the mind and blocks vision
forgiveness and conciliation (The for leaders. While responding to a
Economist, 2013). media interview in 2007, he was
Eventually, Mandela opted to asked how he was able to keep hatred
negotiation with the apartheid in check. Mandela responded by
government. This strategy, with the saying the ‘Hatred beclouds the mind
help of some other factors helped and it gets in the way of strategy.
greatly in bringing an end to the Leaders cannot afford to hate’. On
apartheid regime in South Africa. this note, even the immediate past
Therefore, depending on the white president of South Africa,
circumstance that avails itself, President, and FW de Klerk described
leadership should be dynamic as long Mandela as a ‘Unifier’ and a person
as the strategy adopted will help in with ‘remarkable lack of bitterness’
attaining the general good, and not (BBC, 2013). After Mandela created
selfish ambitions. the Truth and Reconciliation
b. Forgiveness and reconciliation Commission, he says that the
Mandela understood that in politics, commission ‘had helped us move
conflicts must occur but democratic away from the past, to concentrate on
politics should be without bitterness. the present and the future (Meredith,
However, he demonstrated that 2010, p.563; Sampson, 2011, p.532).
through forgiveness and Mandela set up the Truth and
reconciliation, peace and progress Reconciliation Commission to
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59Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
investigate the address human rights leadership (Lizza, 2011; CNN
violation that occurred under the 2008).
apartheid system. If this has helped to The notion of leading from behind
keep South Africa together, learning should not however be misunderstood
from Mandela can help contemporary as unwillingness to lead or shying
African leaders in creating and away from responsibility by Mandela
preserving peace in contemporary but imply at least two important facts
among their people. Learning from that can potentially improve
Mandla, Koffi Anan the Chairman of leadership in Africa. Firstly, it implies
Elders group left a strong message at collective leadership whereby the
the death of Mandela for African leader gives stake or opportunity for
leaders, where he says that: others i.e. the nimble, otherwise the
While I mourn the loss of Africa’s smartest people to take the lead as the
most distinguished leaders, leader provides the direction to
Madiba’s legacy beckons us to follow. The nimble may be smart and
follow his example to strive for able people, who can help in carrying
human rights, reconciliation and out the vision of the leader. By so
justice for all (BBC, 2013).c. doing, the nimble can make their own
c. Participation: Leading from contributions in moving of
Behind government in the desired directions.
Mandela demonstrates that leadership Secondly, it implies tutorship. This
is like shepherding. He believes that goes to say that, by leading from
leaders should act like shepherds who behind, the younger generation can be
selects the smartest flocks and put tested with the task of leading.
them in the front to take the lead, d. Symbolism
while the sheered stays behind flocks. Mandela demonstrated that a leader
Through this style, leaders encourage should a symbol of what he wants the
participation of followers and team society to achieve. Mandela stood for
work, which is a vital practice in equality and justice for all.
democratic leadership. A leader, Throughout Mandela’s struggles
Mandela says: against apartheid and leadership of
...stays behind the flock letting the South Africa, he demonstrated that for
most nimble go out ahead,
fighting against both black and white
whereupon the others follow, not
realizing that all along that they domination.
are being directed from behind’ In an interview with Ophra Winfrey in
(Eckert and Rweyongoza, 2015, 2001, Nelson Mandala says that:
p.2). If there is any significant role that I
Mandela further says that, as a leader: played, it was that of being a
It is better to lead from behind and vessel through which the struggle
to put others in front, especially was presented to the nation and to
when you celebrate victory when the world. The struggle had to
nice things occur. You take the have a symbol for it to be
front line when there is danger. effective. The great men and
The people will appreciate your women of the struggle chose that I
URL: http://journals.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/index.php/cujpia
60Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
be that symbol. If this was a good would definitely have individuals that
thing, praise must go back to those can provide credible leadership
who made the choice (Boehmer, behind them, due to the experiences
2008, p.173). and wisdom they have unto their
e. Willingness to Quit Political successors.
Power at the Right Time Finally, the end of Mandela was good,
Mandela left a powerful legacy that cherished and highly celebrated in
leaders must not seek to perpetuate Africa and the world at large. He was
themselves in power. When his five- among world leaders who had a sense
year tenure finished in 1999, he quit of true fulfilment (The Economist,
the stage for others to carry on from 2013) supports this claim as follows:
where he stopped. Despite call from Mr. Mandela lived long enough
his fellow people to re-contest and to see his work through. That
lead them, Mandela declined. gave him his great achievement
In his political struggle, Nelson and his story a happy ending.
And the modern world loves a
believes that leadership is a
happy hero even more than a
responsibility that cannot be finished tragic one (The Economist,
at once. In the long walk to Freedom, 2013).
where Mandela wrote an
autobiography of himself, he says Conclusion and Recommendations
The paper discusses the leadership
that;
I have walked that long road to styles of Nelson Mandela as a model
freedom. I have tried not to for African leaders. Africa has been
falter; I have made missteps going through numerous leadership
along the way. But I have challenges which have persisted and
discovered the secret that after there is no credible model that can
dimpling a great hill, one only guide the leaders to provide better
finds that there are many more leadership for the political stability
hills to climb. I have taken a and development of the continent. In
moment here to rest, to steal a this paper, we felt that the leadership
view of the glorious vista that
style exemplified by the prominent
surrounds me, to look back on
the distance I have come. But I African leader, Nelson Mandela is
can only rest for a moment, for lying in waste, and should be revisited
with freedom come and recommend to African leaders to
responsibilities, and I dare improve leadership on the continent.
linger, for my long walk is not Mandela’s leadership styles referred
yet ended (Boehmer, 2008, to in this paper were largely drawn
p.176).
from his actions and attitudes
However, Mandela’s style suggests
displayed in the cause of his struggle
that there may not actually be
against colonialism and apartheid
unfillable leadership vacuum. This is
regime in South Africa and while as
because, when leaders put others (i.e.
the President of the Republic of South
the younger generation in the front
Africa. Prominent among them are:
line) as they lead from behind, they
URL: http://journals.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/index.php/cujpia
61Dimas Garba & Dr. Isaac I. Akuva CUJPIA (2020) 8(1) 49-64
selfless vision, leadership from 2. African leaders should always
behind, forgiveness and reconciliation endeavour to train others while
willingness to quit political power as in office and prepare them for
at when due, among others are future leadership role. Once
recommended as imperatives for good they do that, they can always
political leadership, stability, peace, lead from behind with the
and development in Africa. wealth of their experience and
The paper demonstrated that wisdom like Mandela did in
Mandela’s lifestyles have incredibly South Africa.
guided him to achieve the vision he 3. African leaders should lead
had for the freedom of the black race with vision, determination and
against oppression in South Africa selflessness. They should quit
and to lay a good foundation for putting their personal interest
selfless leadership. Although, his above that of their fellow
struggle mainly centres on the citizens. Nelson Mandela
freedom of the black South Africans, sacrifices his liberty for the
the lifestyles of Nelson Mandela are freedom of South Africans, and
exemplary model for contemporary with determination, he earned
African leaders to learn and follow if that freedom he desired for
the continent must do away with the South African. By applying this
problem of bad leadership and make kind of leadership styles,
progress. The paper therefore African leaders can overcome
recommends as follows: most of the problems
bedevilling the continent.
1. African leaders should
4. African Union (AU) should
endeavour to quit public office
immortalize Nelson Mandela
once they have exhausted their
with an annual leadership
tenures, as constitutionally
summit for African leaders as
stipulated. Once they do that,
an avenue to expose them to the
they will not only allow the
leadership virtue of Mandela.
political process of their
5. The AU should come up with
respective countries to go
an award scheme in different
undistorted, stable, peaceful
aspects of leadership to be
and progressive, but they will
given to deserving African
also earn good repute from their
leaders during annual
citizens and Africans like
leadership summit on Nelson
Nelson Mandela who until his
Mandela.
deal, was highly revered even
globally.
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