‘It became apparent to me that, due to the complexity of problems that face humanity today, those who do not know should not lead.’ – PROFESSOR TSHILIDZI MARWALA

The world finds itself in a state of flux – a pandemic has disrupted the world order while digital transformation presents a fundamental paradigm shift. How are leaders to respond?

We know that when there is a crisis decisive leadership for the public good is imperative, but as we move beyond the pandemic and confront the changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), we must determine how we will adapt.

Leading in the 21st Century presents a comprehensive overview of how the world is changing and lessons we can draw from leaders, particularly in the African context. From Charlotte Maxeke to the Rain Queen Modjadji to Robert Sobukwe and from the international realm, even Marie Curie, there is much to draw on from great leaders.

The challenges of the 21st century are immense from climate change, to social media to the digital divide that peppers our understanding of inequality, particularly in the new normal. South Africa, in particular, not only faces a shifting global context but a fraught local context of stagnant growth, rising unemployment and deep-seated inequality, worsened in 2020 by the national lockdown.

Professor Tshilidzi Marwala deciphers it all, while providing a framework for navigating these shifts.

At the helm of a university, with seats on the boards of leading companies and as the Deputy Chair of South Africa’s Presidential 4IR Commission, Tshilidzi Marwala provides valuable insight into not only adapting to a new normal but leading in it.