Servant leadership key to states bettering people's lives: Public Protector

Servant leadership is the key to ensuring that states deliver on bettering the lives of citizens, Public Protector Adv. Thuli Madonsela said on Friday.

She was addressing a series of events focusing on leadership, integrity and good governance in Windhoek, Namibia. The events covered wide-ranging issues, including the role of women in leadership.

Speaking at one of the events, the Public Protector said servant leadership was central to the promotion of good governance in state affairs, protection of democracy and the rule of law.

She explained that where servant leadership was a way of life, public needs were prioritised, the state operated with high level of integrity, good governance was at the core of its programmes, the lives of the people were improved and their potential freed.

The Public Protector encouraged women, who packed the conference hall, to be drivers of change and ensure that they led with courage and integrity in their respective fields of trade.

She used examples of great women leaders of the past such as Helen Joseph and Dr. Libertina Amathila to encourage women to step up and lead with courage and integrity.

The Public Protector told the seminar that the challenges faced by women today, were much better than those faced by those who paved their way.

She urged women to step up, warning them that there was a higher price to pay for not doing so.

On the issue of accountability, the Public Protector encouraged the delegates to submit to accountability processes, arguing that it was not about the position a person occupied in society but about the purpose.

"When you are stopped by a police officer on the road, do not look at your position or social standing, you need to comply," she urged the delegates.

The events were organised by Omayambeko in partnership with Hanns Seidel Foundation and brought together senior government officials, academics and members of the public to discuss the role of women in leadership and good governance in Namibia.


For more information, contact:

Oupa Segalwe

Manager: Outreach, Education and Communications

Public Protector South Africa

(012) 366 7035

072 264 3273

oupas@pprotect.org

www.publicprotector.org

Twiiter: @PublicProtector

Facebook: Public Protector South Africa