In the heart of the University of the Western Cape, amidst a gathering weathered by rain and warmed by purpose, the Human Resources Leadership Series inaugurated its maiden voyage this August. 

Led by the University’s dedicated staff and attended by a diverse audience including esteemed guests and virtual viewers, the event aimed high with its theme: "Bridging the Gap, Building Ethical and Effective Leadership."

The occasion on 13 August 2024, initiated by the Executive Director of Human Resources at UWC, Mr Meko Magida, was opened with a gracious welcome from the programme director, Mr Mandla-Onke Notyawa.

Notyawa, a former president of the Student Representative Council at UWC, expressed gratitude to all present for braving the weather and dedicating their time to the series.

Professor Tyrone Pretorius
Opening the event, Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius underscored the importance of ethical leadership, linking it closely to the University’s core values of academic excellence, integrity, and inclusivity. He congratulated Mr Magida for initiating the series.

“We are confident that this inaugural lecture will be enlightening for all attending. We also hope it will inspire us to continue to cultivate a culture of integrity and effectiveness within our university – but also, more importantly, beyond the confines of our institution,” he said.

The keynote speaker, Auditor General Ms Tsakani Maluleke, brought decades of experience in governance and public accountability to the forefront.

Ms Tsakani Maluleke
She emphasised the critical role of ethical leadership in navigating today’s complex challenges, echoing sentiments shared by previous speakers about the responsibility of leadership extending beyond titles.

Her address, "Bridging the Gap, Building Ethical and Effective Leadership," resonated deeply with the audience, urging them to embrace transparency and integrity in their roles.

Throughout the event, the atmosphere was one of engagement and reflection, with participants eagerly engaging in discussions and preparing to apply insights gained from the speaker’s profound expertise.

“All auditor-generals across the world are seized with the following question: How do we all use our independent mandate, capabilities, access, our reach … how do we use all of that in terms of doing more to impact the lives of citizens?” Ms Maluleke posed to the audience.

“(Authors) posit that the answer to the puzzle in tems of why nations fail,” she added, “is at least, partly, the absence of institutions that shape the overall governance in terms of economic, social and political policies of a specific country. Those that succeed, follow an institutional path which results in effective institutions that are able to render policies beneficial to their citizens.”

Notyawa’s call for active participation underscored the event’s purpose as not just a series of talks, but a catalyst for cultural change within the University and beyond.

As the session drew to a close, gratitude flowed towards the organisers, Mr Magida and the Human Resources department, for their meticulous planning and dedication.

The event stood as a testament to UWC’s commitment to nurturing ethical leaders who uphold principles of accountability and social justice.

In conclusion, the inaugural session of the Human Resources Leadership Series at UWC set a strong foundation for future dialogues on leadership excellence.

It marked a milestone in the University’s journey towards fostering a culture of integrity and effectiveness, guided by the wisdom shared by Ms Maluleke.

As participants departed, they carried with them not just knowledge, but a renewed sense of purpose in their own leadership roles, inspired to bridge gaps and uphold ethical standards in all their endeavours.In the heart of the University of the Western Cape, amidst a gathering weathered by rain and warmed by purpose, the Human Resources Leadership Series inaugurated its maiden voyage this August.