What makes a leader truly great? It’s not power or titles—it’s the ability to inspire change, uplift others, and make a lasting impact. As I spend time in South Africa, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable leaders this country has produced. Their stories aren’t just history; they offer valuable lessons for leaders navigating today’s complex and uncertain world.

These six icons—Mandela, Kolisi, Gore, Mahanyele-Dabengwa, Madonsela, and Tutu—each shaped South Africa in profound ways. Some united a nation, others transformed industries, and some fearlessly stood for justice. What they all have in common is a commitment to purpose-driven leadership.

Their lessons feel more relevant than ever. Whether you’re leading a team, a company, or a movement, there’s something to learn from their example. Let’s dive into their stories and the wisdom they left behind.

Leadership Lessons From Six Icons

South Africa has produced some of the most influential leaders in history, each leaving behind powerful lessons that are just as relevant today as they were in their time. From politics to sports, business to governance, these six icons embody different facets of leadership—but they all share a deep commitment to humanity, integrity, and purpose-driven impact.

Here’s who they are and why their leadership matters:

• Nelson Mandela – The global symbol of forgiveness and resilience, who led South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy.
• Siya Kolisi – The first Black captain of the Springboks, who inspires through humility, perseverance, and purpose-driven leadership.
• Adrian Gore – A visionary entrepreneur who built Discovery Group by aligning business success with social good.
• Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa – A trailblazing business leader who champions innovation, diversity, and inclusive leadership as CEO of Naspers South Africa.
• Thuli Madonsela – A fearless advocate for justice, who stood against corruption and unethical leadership, proving that integrity is non-negotiable.
• Desmond Tutu – A Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist and moral leader who used joy, courage, and compassion to fight oppression and promote reconciliation.

Nelson Mandela – The Power of Reconciliation and Resilience

Nelson Mandela is one of the most revered leaders in modern history. As a key figure in the fight against apartheid, he spent 27 years imprisoned for his resistance to racial segregation. But instead of emerging from prison bitter or vengeful, he chose the path of reconciliation. In 1994, he became South Africa’s first Black president and led the country through a peaceful transition to democracy, proving that true leadership isn’t about personal power—it’s about uniting people for a greater cause. His influence extends far beyond South Africa, making him a global symbol of peace, resilience, and forgiveness.

• Lead with forgiveness – Instead of retaliating, he chose unity, proving that leadership isn’t about holding power—it’s about healing divisions.
• Put the greater good first – He never made decisions for personal gain but always focused on what was best for South Africa.
• Stay resilient in adversity – Twenty-seven years in prison didn’t break him; it strengthened his purpose.
• Use dialogue to resolve conflict – He understood that real change happens when people listen to one another, not when they shut each other down.

Siya Kolisi – Leading with Humility and Purpose

Siya Kolisi grew up in extreme poverty in the township of Zwide, where simply getting enough food was a daily challenge. Despite these hardships, he found an escape through rugby, eventually earning a place in professional teams. In 2018, he made history by becoming the first Black captain of South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks. A year later, he led the team to a historic World Cup victory, inspiring millions. But Kolisi’s impact goes far beyond the rugby field—he actively gives back through the Kolisi Foundation, which focuses on tackling poverty, gender-based violence, and access to education. His journey is proof that great leaders don’t forget where they come from—they use their success to uplift others.

• Lead by example – His hard work and resilience inspired his teammates to believe in themselves.
• Use your platform for good – He doesn’t just play rugby; he actively works to make South Africa better.
• Stay humble – Despite his success, he remains deeply connected to his roots and his community.
• Embrace diversity – He understands that a great team, like a great country, thrives on inclusivity.

Adrian Gore – Pioneering Human-Centric Business

If you’ve ever heard of Discovery Health, then you know Adrian Gore’s work. He’s not just a businessman—he’s a visionary who transformed the insurance industry by making it proactive instead of reactive. Gore founded Discovery Group, which introduced the Vitality program, an innovative system that rewards customers for healthy behavior, fundamentally shifting the way health and life insurance work. His belief that businesses should create long-term social impact while driving profit has set a new standard for corporate leadership. Today, Discovery has expanded globally, proving that purpose-driven leadership isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business.

• Innovate with purpose – His business model shows that success isn’t just about making money—it’s about solving real problems.
• Create long-term impact – Instead of focusing on short-term profits, he built a system that improves people’s lives.
• Adapt to changing needs – He’s constantly evolving Discovery’s offerings to stay ahead of the curve.
• Trust data, but prioritize people – While he leverages technology, he always keeps human behavior at the core of decision-making.

Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa – Breaking Barriers in Business

Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa is a pioneering business leader who has shattered glass ceilings in the corporate world. As the CEO of Naspers South Africa, she leads one of Africa’s largest technology and media companies, proving that inclusive leadership and innovation go hand in hand. She has consistently championed the importance of mentorship, diversity, and empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

• Lead with authenticity – She emphasizes that great leaders stay true to who they are, no matter the environment.
• Empower others as you climb – She actively mentors and supports young entrepreneurs, believing that leadership is about creating opportunities for others.
• Adapt and innovate – As a leader in the tech industry, she understands the need for businesses to evolve and stay ahead of change.
• Diversity drives success – She’s proof that inclusive leadership leads to better business outcomes and stronger teams.
• Stay purpose-driven – Like Adrian Gore, she believes that businesses should make a positive impact while being profitable.

Thuli Madonsela – Courage in the Face of Adversity

Thuli Madonsela is one of South Africa’s most respected legal minds, known for her fearless approach to fighting corruption. As South Africa’s Public Protector from 2009 to 2016, she played a crucial role in investigating government misconduct, exposing high-level corruption, and holding political leaders accountable. Her most famous work was the State Capture Report, which revealed systemic corruption at the highest levels of power. Despite facing threats and intimidation, she remained committed to justice. Today, she continues her advocacy for democracy, human rights, and good governance, proving that true leadership isn’t about popularity—it’s about integrity.

• Stand up for what’s right – She refused to be intimidated, proving that integrity is the foundation of true leadership.
• Be fearless in leadership – Even when it was difficult, she stayed committed to justice and accountability.
• Empower others – She used her position not for personal gain, but to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
• Integrity builds trust – People followed her not because of her title, but because of her unwavering honesty.

Desmond Tutu – Leading with Joy and Moral Clarity

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a larger-than-life figure who dedicated his life to fighting oppression and injustice. As a clergyman, activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, he was one of the loudest voices against apartheid. But what made Tutu unique was his infectious optimism—he believed that even the hardest struggles should be approached with joy and hope. After apartheid ended, he played a key role in leading South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, focusing on healing rather than punishment. His ability to balance moral courage with deep compassion made him one of the most respected leaders in the world.

• Lead with joy – He proved that leadership doesn’t have to be heavy or somber; it can be uplifting and filled with hope.
• Speak truth to power – He never hesitated to call out injustice, no matter who was responsible.
• Reconciliation is powerful – He believed that healing was just as important as justice.
• Compassion is strength – His kindness and empathy didn’t make him weak; they made him a leader people wanted to follow.
• Leadership That Sparks Change

Each of these leaders—Mandela, Kolisi, Gore, Madonsela, and Tutu—has shown us a different side of what great leadership looks like. Some led on the global stage, while others made an impact in business, sports, and governance. But they all had one thing in common: they used their influence to uplift others.

At its core, leadership isn’t about power or prestige—it’s about purpose. It’s about making decisions that create a better future, even when those decisions are tough. So, as we navigate our own leadership journeys, we can take a page from their playbook: be resilient, be purpose-driven, and most importantly, be human.

Sparking New Leadership Thinking

Learning from these icons is one thing—putting their lessons into action is another. Here are five tangible steps you can take to bring their leadership principles into your own work and life:

• Practice radical empathy – Like Mandela and Tutu, make a conscious effort to understand different perspectives, even from those you disagree with. Actively listen and engage in conversations that bridge divides rather than deepen them.
• Use your platform for impact – Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or a community, take a page from Kolisi and Mahanyele-Dabengwa by using your influence to solve real problems. Identify one way your leadership can create meaningful change beyond just financial success.
• Stand for integrity, no matter the cost – Like Madonsela, commit to doing what’s right, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular. Set clear ethical standards for yourself and your organization, and hold yourself accountable to them in every decision you make.
• Foster resilience in yourself and others – Mandela’s life showed that setbacks don’t define leaders—how they respond does. Build resilience by focusing on the long-term vision, learning from challenges, and helping your team navigate uncertainty with strength and confidence.
• Lead with joy and optimism – Tutu showed that leadership doesn’t have to be heavy—it can be filled with energy, humor, and hope. Find ways to inspire and uplift those around you, even in tough times. A leader who brings positive energy is one people want to follow.

The Bottom Line

Great leadership isn’t about power—it’s about purpose, resilience, and lifting others up. Whether it’s Mandela’s forgiveness, Kolisi’s humility, Gore’s innovation, Mahanyele-Dabengwa’s inclusive leadership, Madonsela’s integrity, or Tutu’s moral courage, these icons prove that true leaders create impact that outlives them.