FDRE TVET Institute

Faculty of TVET Leadership & Management

TVET Leadership & Management Department
Master’s Program
TVET Leadership (TLM 501)

Group Assignment (10%)

The skills, abilities or character traits which make
Nelson Mandela a good leader.
Achievements in terms of Nelson Mandela family life,
economic, social, education and national development.

Group-2 Members
St. No Name ID Signature
1. NIGUSSIE BERHANU TTMR/182/16
2. BORU KUSURE TTMR/068/16
3. MULATU EJERSO TTMR/173/16
4. WAKJIRA KEBEDE TTMR/225/16
5. ALEMAYEHU AYENEW TTMR/028/16

Submitted to:- BEKRETSION H/SILASSIE (PhD)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

3/20/2024
The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

Contents
Abstract .......................................................................................................................................................... i
Key Words .................................................................................................................................................... ii
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Why Nelson Mandela was a good leader? ............................................................................................ 3
3. What Leadership skills/Styles, abilities or characters does Nelson Mandela have? ............................. 4
i. Moral Integrity .................................................................................................................................. 4
ii. Embraces the ethical ......................................................................................................................... 4
iii. Highly effective communication skills............................................................................................... 5
iv. Resilience and Perseverance............................................................................................................. 5
v. Emotional Intelligence ...................................................................................................................... 5
vi. Diplomacy and Negotiation .............................................................................................................. 5
vii. Charismatic ................................................................................................................................... 5
viii. Transformational........................................................................................................................... 6
ix. Visionary and Inspirational ............................................................................................................... 6
4. Achievements of Nelson Mandela in terms of family life .................................................................... 7
5. Achievements of Nelson Mandela in terms of economy ...................................................................... 7
6. Achievements of Nelson Mandela in terms of social life ..................................................................... 8
7. Educational Background of Nelson Mandela ....................................................................................... 8
8. Achievements of Nelson Mandela in terms of national development .................................................. 8
9. Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 9
10. Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 10
11. References ....................................................................................................................................... 11

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Abstract
Known and loved around the world for his commitment to peace, negotiation and
reconciliation, Nelson Mandela was South Africa's first democratically elected president
(1994-1999). Mandela was an anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader, as well as a
philanthropist with an abiding love for children. Mandela was born into the royal family on 18
July 1918 and died on 5 December 2013.

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The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

Key Words
 ANC - African National Congress.
 AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
 BA - Bachelor of Arts
 HIV - Human immunodeficiency viruses
 LLB - Bachelor of Laws.

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 1. Introduction
Nelson Mandela is widely recognized as one of the greatest leaders of modern times. He
was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as
the country's first black president from 1994 to 1999. Mandela's leadership has inspired millions
around the world and his legacy continues to live on today.
Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. He was
educated at the University Of Fort Hare and the University of the Witwatersrand, where he studied
law. Mandela became involved in the anti-apartheid movement in the 1940s and was a founding
member of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League. He went on to become a leader of
the ANC and was instrumental in the organization's fight against apartheid, the system of racial
segregation that existed in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s.
Mandela was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the anti-
apartheid movement. He spent 27 years in prison, becoming a symbol of resistance to apartheid and
an inspiration to millions around the world. During this time, he never wavered in his commitment to
nonviolence and reconciliation, even in the face of great personal sacrifice.
Mandela was released from prison in 1990 and went on to lead the negotiations that
brought an end to apartheid. He was elected as the country's first black president in 1994, a landmark
moment in South Africa's history. As president, Mandela worked to promote reconciliation and
racial unity, leading the country through a peaceful transition to democracy.
Mandela's leadership style was characterized by his deep commitment to nonviolence and
reconciliation. He believed in the power of forgiveness and sought to bring about a new era of racial
harmony in South Africa. He was also a strong advocate for human rights, and worked to improve
the lives of the country's most marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
Mandela's legacy continues to inspire people around the world to this day. He is
remembered as a leader who never lost sight of his principles, even in the face of great personal
sacrifice, and who devoted his life to improving the lives of others. His leadership style serves as a
model for all who seek to make a positive impact in the world.

Key Leadership Learning’s:

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The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

 The power of forgiveness and reconciliation: Nelson Mandela's commitment to forgiveness

and reconciliation, even in the face of great personal adversity, serves as a powerful example
of the importance of these values in leadership.
 The role of leadership in promoting social justice: Mandela's leadership was characterized by
his unwavering commitment to promoting equality and justice for all, and he remains an
inspiration for those who seek to make a positive impact on the world.
 The importance of integrity and authenticity: Throughout his life, Mandela remained true to
his principles and values, even in the face of great opposition, and this integrity and
authenticity inspired millions of people to follow his lead.
 The value of perseverance and determination: Mandela's long and difficult journey to achieve
political freedom in South Africa serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and
determination in leadership.

Key Takeaway Points:

 Embrace the power of forgiveness and reconciliation in leadership.

 Strive to promote social justice and equality for all.
 Maintain your integrity and authenticity, even in the face of opposition.
 Persevere and remain determined in the pursuit of your goals, even in the face of great
adversity.

The key takeaway points from Nelson Mandela's leadership can certainly be adapted for the
recruitment business. Here are a few ways in which this could be done:

 Embrace the power of forgiveness and reconciliation in recruitment: In the recruitment

process, it is important to foster an atmosphere of forgiveness and reconciliation, where
candidates feel valued and respected, even if they are not ultimately hired for a particular
position.
 Promote social justice and equality in the recruitment process: This could involve proactively
seeking out and recruiting a diverse range of candidates, and ensuring that all candidates are
treated fairly and equitably throughout the recruitment process.

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The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

 Maintain integrity and authenticity in the recruitment process: This could involve being
transparent and honest with candidates about the expectations and requirements of the role,
and providing constructive feedback to help candidates grow and improve.
 Persevere and remain determined in the recruitment process: In the face of challenging
market conditions or difficult-to-fill roles, it is important to remain focused and committed to
the recruitment process, and to continue searching for the right candidates, even if it takes
time.

In conclusion, Nelson Mandela was a legend in leadership, who left a lasting impact on the
world through his commitment to forgiveness, reconciliation, and social justice. His unwavering
determination, integrity, and authenticity inspired millions of people to follow his lead, and his
legacy continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for leaders everywhere.

2. Why Nelson Mandela was a good leader?

Leadership can be put as the capability of a person to inspire and influence others to
move ahead in the direction of goals and achieve them. The leader who has set great examples by
exhibiting democratic leadership styles is Nelson Mandela, who is often referred to as the father
of the South African population. He became a member of the African National Congress in 1944
which intended to provide liberation to the blacks, of which he soon came into prominence as the
youth leader.

Nelson Mandela did several sacrifices for the nation for which he has been honored with
numerous recognition and awards including Nobel Prize for Peace. His contributions have
significantly touched the lives of men around him and showed them pathways of life as the
president of South Africa. As an activist in South Africa, he even served prison sentence for the
choices he made during the period of apartheid. He chose to be ethically correct with his decision
to be effective in times of crisis during the supremacy of the whites and free the nation from their
colonized state. When the white community in Africa tried to assert their power and maintain
supremacy of authority, Mandela reminded the population about the need to protect their rights,
community and nation as a whole.

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The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

Mandela helped the people in South Africa understand his vision and be a part of it to
bring change to the exiting form of governance. The economic and social discrimination which
was enforced and practiced by the non-majority whites, over the majority population of the
nation during this period. His visions enabled people to fight against the exploitative forces and
eliminate apartheid. He organized resistance through the darkest time to put an end to the
discriminatory legislations and freed people from the oppression. He has been an inspiration for
activists working to protects civil rights across the globe.

Nelson Mandela has been the inspiration behind the elimination of apartheid and brought
deserved liberty and authority to the people of Australia. He is a leader who stood tall in front of
authority for what was being wrong and exploited the rights of the people in South Africa. There
were several obstacles, which came in his way, but he could fight them and inspired the next
generations to do the same to place humanity and common good over all other.

3. What Leadership skills/Styles, abilities or characters does

Nelson Mandela have?
As previously mentioned, Mandela realized his dream for his people with his remarkable
leadership style. So, how he did it? Here are some of his distinguished qualities:

i. Moral Integrity

Mandela was known for his unwavering moral compass and integrity. He consistently
stood up against injustice and fought for equality and human rights. His commitment to
principles and refusal to compromise his values earned him respect and trust from people around
the world.

ii. Embraces the ethical

As the first black president of South Africa, Mandela showed strong ethical values when
leading his people by constantly guiding them to keep the center of attention before they cat and
to avoid all violence. While fighting against apartheid, he established a utilitarianism leadership
style by soldiering ahead, as he had the morals and values to continue fighting. He was then

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The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

described as a freedom fighter and hero due to his perseverance until he became the head of the
country. His traits of responsibility and morality towards his followers were embraced through
his honesty.

iii. Highly effective communication skills

When facing arguments, challenges and defenses, Mandela anticipated his opponents to
effectually communicate his responses based upon the issues brought forth. Communication was
vital to his leadership success, allowing him to coordinate with his followers effectively by
explaining to them the plan to fight for a better nation.

iv. Resilience and Perseverance

Mandela's resilience in the face of adversity was extraordinary. He endured

imprisonment, personal sacrifices, and the strain of leading a divided nation. However, he
remained determined and focused on his goals, never giving up on his vision of a democratic
South Africa.

v. Emotional Intelligence
Mandela displayed exceptional emotional intelligence, understanding the importance of
empathy, compassion, and reconciliation. He sought to bridge divides and heals wounds,
promoting forgiveness and unity among South Africans, even those who had previously
oppressed him and his people.

vi. Diplomacy and Negotiation

Mandela was a skilled diplomat and negotiator. He played a pivotal role in the peaceful
transition of South Africa from apartheid to democracy. Through dialogue and negotiation, he
successfully brokered compromises and built bridges between different factions, ensuring a
peaceful transition and avoiding a potential civil war.

vii. Charismatic

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The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

During the 20th century, Mandela became a most influential figure who led the fight
against the apartheid in South Africa. As the first black president of the country, his enthusiastic
motive succeeded in attaining freedom by being charismatic. This practice was alleged to be very
captivating and successful, where he held strong emotional reactions towards his followers,
which built trust between him and his African National Congress (ANC) followers during his
incarceration of many years. In fact, this gave them a strong belief to continue their fight and
pledge willing obedience to him.

viii. Transformational

As an influential leader, Mandela was able to lead his country to nearly-liberated from
prejudice. As a significant leader, he elevated his followers’ consciousness by appealing to their
higher values and ideals, even encouraging many to educate themselves, as it would be the key to
success. In 1952, Mandela opened the first African legal practice together with his partner,
Oliver Tambo, where he was the volunteer-in-chief of the campaign, traveling across the country
to raise people’s awareness and organize confrontation to prejudiced regulation. Also, he
succeeded in promoting the Freedom Charter that was also adopted by the ANC.

ix. Visionary and Inspirational

While Mandela was the leader of the Congress, he inspired his people by helping them
understand the values and importance of his visions. He encouraged them to develop their own
understanding of what is important for the country, like the fight for equality by eliminating
racial discrimination. This inspiring leadership has contributed to helping the country with
overcoming the apartheid and developing it into a stable modern democracy. In his speeches
while traveling every part of the country, he inspired and convinced people, adding that he could
do something to overcome the apartheid confidently. At the same time, he also warned the
people not to be overwhelmed by the ruling class and not to strike back, physically or verbally,
no matter the hassle was.

Mandela possessed a powerful vision for a free and equal South Africa. Despite enduring
27 years of imprisonment, he never lost hope or his ability to inspire others. He united people

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The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

from diverse backgrounds behind a common goal of reconciliation and justice, motivating them
to work towards a brighter future.

4. Achievements of Nelson Mandela in terms of family life

Nelson Mandela had a big family. He had two daughters and two sons with his first wife,
Evelyn Mase, and two daughters with his second wife, Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela. He had
four stepchildren from his marriage to Graca Machel. Only three of his children are still alive –
his daughters Makaziwe, Zenani and Zindzi. He is survived by his daughters and his 17
grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Nelson Mandela was married three times. He was first married to Evelyn Ntoko Mase in
1944. They separated in 1955 and divorced in 1958. She died in 2004. They had two daughters
and two sons. Their baby daughter, Makaziwe, died at the age of nine months. Their eldest son,
Madiba Thembekile (Thembi), was killed at the age of 24 in a car accident in 1969 while Mr
Mandela was in prison. He was not allowed to attend the funeral. Their second son, Makgatho
Lewanika, died of an HIV/AIDS-related illness in 2005. In March 1958 Mr Mandela and his
wife divorced. In June 1958 Nelson Mandela married Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela.
They had two daughters, Zenani and Zindziswa. They divorced in 1996. On his 80th birthday in
1998 Mr Mandela married Graca Machel, who brought two children and two step-children into
the marriage.

5. Achievements of Nelson Mandela in terms of economy

Nelson Mandela implemented policies aimed at promoting economic growth, job
creation, and poverty reduction. His government focused on attracting foreign investment,
expanding infrastructure, and improving access to education and healthcare, all of which
contributed to South Africa's economic development.

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The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

6. Achievements of Nelson Mandela in terms of social life

Mandela's most significant achievement was dismantling apartheid and establishing a democratic
society based on equality and human rights. His efforts to end racial segregation and
discrimination helped foster social cohesion, and his advocacy for truth and reconciliation
created a platform for healing and justice.

7. Educational Background of Nelson Mandela

Mandela recognized the transformative power of education and prioritized improving
access to quality education for all South Africans. He launched initiatives to increase school
enrollment, improve educational infrastructure, and provide support for disadvantaged students.

He attended primary school in Qunu where his teacher, Miss Mdingane, gave him the
name Nelson, in accordance with the custom of giving all schoolchildren “Christian” names. He
completed his Junior Certificate at Clarkebury Boarding Institute and went on to Healdtown, a
Wesleyan secondary school of some repute, where he matriculated.

Mandela began his studies for a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University College of Fort
Hare but did not complete the degree there as he was expelled for joining in a student protest.
He completed his BA through the University of South Africa and went back to Fort Hare for his
graduation in 1943. Meanwhile, he began studying for Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University
of the Witwatersrand.

8. Achievements of Nelson Mandela in terms of national

development
Nelson Mandela's leadership played a crucial role in South Africa's national
development. He promoted unity and reconciliation, laying the foundation for a stable and
democratic country. His leadership during the transition from apartheid to democracy helped
prevent widespread violence and set the stage for South Africa's continued progress.

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 The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

Nelson Mandela's leadership qualities, achievements, and personal sacrifices have made
him an iconic figure in the world. His ability to inspire, unites, and brings about positive change
serves as a powerful example of effective leadership.

9. Summary
Long Walk to Freedom is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, who was the former South
African President. This article is for Nelson Mandela long walk to freedom summary. In South Africa, a
brutal practice named “apartheid” was very popular in those days. It referred to the discrimination
between people on the basis of their race and color. It was one of the most brutal societies in which dark-
skinned people were deprived of their basic rights. This article gives an overview of the struggles of
Mandela for making the society with no discrimination on the basis of their color, caste, race, age or
gender.
“A Long to Freedom”, by Nelson Mandela is all about the struggle of freedom of South-
Africa. On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela has taken the vow as the first black president of South
Africa. And therefore it was becoming a new-born democratic country. Nelson Mandela took the oath
as the first black president.
Many dignitaries from different countries had come to be part of the most significant day. In
his speech, Mandela thanked all those dignitaries. Mandela assured his countrymen that his country
would never ever experience the same suppression of one by another. Democracy had been established
in South Africa and as a result, a government of no discrimination was established.

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10. Conclusion
Nelson Mandela served to be one the most well respected political activist in the history
of supporting humanity and will forever be remembered for his accomplishments as well as his
ongoing dedication to ending racial segregation in South Africa. He still remains a very influential
leader in the eyes of his people. His legacy will be cherished and remembered for years and years to
come.

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 The skills, abilities or character traits which make Nelson Mandela a
good leader.

11. References
1. Chasi, C., & Levy, N. (2016). Mandela and excellent African leadership: lessons from an
appreciative thematic analysis.

2. Houston, G. (2018). Nelson Mandela's leadership during negotiations: collective versus

individual leadership.

3. Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2016). Learning leadership: The five fundamentals of becoming
an exemplary leader. John Wiley & Sons.

4. Moodley, K., & Adam, K. (2017). Becoming Mandela: Educational Implications of his
Leadership. In Nelson Mandela (pp. 9-16). Brill Sense.

5. Ndlovu-Gatsheni, S. J. (2018). Nelson Mandela and the Decolonial Paradigm of Peace. In The
Routledge History of World Peace since 1750 (pp. 154-164). Routledge.

6. Raelin, J. A. (2015). Rethinking leadership. MIT Sloan Management Review, 56(4), 95.

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