There is something about Durban that is genetically connected to me. My father stopped in Durban in 1956 on his way back from the United Kingdom where he served for two years with the British Army. He spoke to us about his brief experience at a time when South Africa was at a different stage in history. I guess it was in my destiny to follow in his footsteps. I have been to Durban many times and it has been an inadvertent calling.
When we launched CNBC Africa, I went down to Zimbali to attend a lekgotla; “a consultative process between a group following a common goal”. The guest of honor was none other than the then Commissioner of SARS, Pravin Gordhan. I continued this flirtation with Durban through the years including visits to Pietermaritzburg for work, the World Economic Forum in 2017, Zimbali for golf and then a trip from Durban to Johannesburg on Rovos Rail; nothing, however, was as memorable as my visit on March 8 to attend the 2019 Leading Women Summit (LWS).
In its fourth year, the summit, timed with International Women’s Day, is in many ways a lekgotla, celebrating the progress of women in Africa. The event in Durban was inspired by the efforts of Roberta Naicker, Managing Director of the ABN Group, and Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA and with the support of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. Looking at the agenda of the star-studded event (including supermodel and cultural innovator Naomi Campbell), I was sure that we had something special.
After my interactions with a diverse group of individuals during LWS, I reflected on where we are, not just as humans, but as society. Roles and responsibilities between people have changed over the years and there has been distinct convergence in shared beliefs. Expectedly, a lot is dependent on the starting point of each journey; in the developed world, progress seems to have been made at a faster pace, whereas, in the developing world, there is a lot more that needs to be done. A common thread that joined every conversation was that we all originate from a woman; our mother. And I dare say, that there would not be a single man alive who would ever discredit that relationship. Yet, there seems to be a disconnect on every issue that emerges from the conflict of gender equality.
To my mind, transformation is not a light switch but a journey of realization. The results are relative to a start point of that voyage and if affirmative actions are taken, with visible progress, the process is on the right track and will be rewarded. Like anything else in life, the change must come from introspection on what is right, and not because it’s fashionable. There must also be catalysts for change; in this instance both men and women. An interesting issue discussed was a reality that some women kicked the ladder after reaching the top; not facilitating succession for future generations. The bias, therefore, is not unidirectional but brought about by complex human behavior.
I come from a strong value system where equality is a given. In my world, responsibility is shared based on our contribution and inherent strengths and not on gender or ethnicity. With this belief, we have walked the talk on diversity. It’s a living value where your seat at the table, as a man or woman, is because of what you bring to the party. In today’s business environment, this is the only path to success because leadership is far more complex than ever before. It is about inclusiveness; having the ability to look ahead clearly, stay focussed and lead through disruption and change. It is about empowering and holding accountable the right people to deliver.
I have a very strong belief that the rear-view mirror is but a reflection of the past and therefore must only be used for lessons and not as a benchmark of the future. Everything that has happened until this very second can never be reversed. Events consciously or unconsciously have happened, and we must be the better for them. Learn from that. Living in the past will only make you miserable.
The only thing we can influence is the future. Break the rear-view mirror in your lives and bring about the change you want to see. What happens from this moment on, is in our hands. We can decide our future. If, however, we continue to go forward with the same values, then we have learned nothing and therefore nothing shall save us from becoming irrelevant. Be bold and courageous. Above all, lead ethically.
-Rakesh Wahi