Lebogang Mahlalela

Lebo completed an Honours degree in Sociology, as well as a Bachelor of Political Science in International Relations from the University of Pretoria. She grew up in South Africa, and moved around a lot, living in Uganda, the United States and Rwanda. She is passionate about social justice and committed to building a society completely free from all forms of oppression. Lebo is also interested in revolutionary politics and social movements. Her goal is to gain experience, deepened knowledge and networks in order to fully participate in meaningfully constructing a society founded on equality and justice — through praxis, writing and action.

Lebo worked with Synergos Institute South Africa to identify how social connectedness builds better leaders through the Social Connectedness Programme.

Community Engagement Initiative

Lebo hosted an online panel discussion followed by breakout sessions to discuss how youth can be better supported to become bridging leaders. 30 people were in attendance including students and 5 youth-serving organizations in South Africa. Read the report: Bridging Leadership and Social Connectedness.

Report

Strengthening Leadership Development in Southern Africa

The report explores the impact of social connectedness on leadership development and in diversifying leadership models in South Africa. The research explores and analyzes the linkages between the Bridging Leadership approach and Social Connectedness, as well as the Synergos Social Connectedness programme. Key findings from the research interviews found that social connectedness increased the competencies of effective leadership within leaders and influenced the respondents’ leadership values. In particular, the respondents cited its impact on the level of inner work, their relationship with others, as well as impacting positively on their professional work. Furthermore, respondents cited social connectedness as significantly increasing their self-awareness, deep listening, collaborative skills, resilience, confidence, as well as other leadership competencies which contributed towards creating a ‘bridging individual’. Ultimately, the report underscores the reciprocal relationship between social connectedness and the Bridging leadership approach.The research concludes with key recommendations at the level of programmes, partner, policy, and practice to strengthen leadership and organizational management across the region.

Keywords

Leadership, bridging leadership, bridging individual, leadership models, organizational management, resilience, youth leadership, South Africa, empathy, collaboration

Brief

Lebo also created a short visual version of the final report.