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“We need bold and visionary leaders. We need leaders who can engage where there is no change and we need leadership that educates, inspires and empowers our communities."

These were some of the inspiring remarks from Dr Wendy Luhabe, who delivered the annual Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert (FVZS) Honorary Lecture at Stellenbosch University (SU) on Tuesday evening, 14 August. The honorary lecture is organised by the FVZS Leadership Institute, which forms part of the Centre for Student Leadership and Structures and the overarching Division for Student Affairs at SU.

The lecture not only celebrates the life and values of the late former Chancellor of SU but also aims at encouraging critical and stimulating dialogue about our country and our continent.

Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU, was also in attendance and reiterated the remarkable legacy of Dr Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert. He said that Dr Van Zyl Slabbert served as an excellent example of an outspoken critic of apartheid at SU. “This year we honour the critical Matie voices of the past who would not be silenced despite being ostracised and one of those voices belonged to Dr Van Zyl Slabbert. He challenged injustice and helped build bridges across all kinds of divides in the search for common ground in our beloved country. And that has helped us to reach this point where today, in responsibility towards the present and future generations, Stellenbosch University commits itself unconditionally to the ideal of an inclusive, world-class university in and for Africa."

In her lecture, Dr Luhabe also encouraged South Africans to learn from the past and not be passive citizens. She was not only a friend of Dr Van Zyl Slabbert but is also considered as one of South Africa's most sought-after thought leaders and role models. The theme of her lecture was Leadership choices and she emphasised the importance of building entrepreneurs and nurturing future leaders by helping them to be the best that they can be.

“Those of us who have succeeded in life need to pay it forward. When we enable others to be the best that they can be, it is a beautiful gift to ourselves as well. If we all just change one life, it will make such a difference in our world," said Dr Luhabe.

Dr Luhabe is a social entrepreneur, human capital developer, thought leader and author, who has received four honorary doctorates in commerce, including from SU, for her pioneering contributions to the economic empowerment of women in South Africa. Over the past 20 years, she has received various international recognitions and awards for her work. In 2014, she was appointed Honorary Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by the Prince of Whales.

Dr Luhabe is passionate about leadership development in Africa and intergenerational dialogue with the aim of finding new solutions to Africa's challenges. Her lecture aimed to address some of those challenges and inspire those in attendance to help find solutions. “Each generation has a responsibility to invoke change. All you need to do is show up. Once we show up, we can bring our talents together to build a new and successful South Africa," said Dr Luhabe.

In the photo: Wendy Luhabe. Photo by Henk Oets.