The concept of leadership in two autobiographies, Where others waivered and Long walk to freedom: A postcolonial reading
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Date
2022-10
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Namibia University of Science and Technology
Abstract
The study sought to establish the concept of Leadership in two autobiographies, Where Others Wavered and Long Walk to Freedom, autobiographies of Nelson Mandela and Sam Nujoma, respectively. The study utilised secondary research in the form of qualitative desktop research in order to establish leadership roles, leadership styles and leadership concepts of these two African leaders. Content analysis was used to analyse research text and subsequent themes were generated. In terms of leadership concept, they shared the same values, as indicated that leadership is defined by commitment, training and observation, representing rights of the oppressed and responsibility. It was established that leadership is defined by commitment, training and observation, representing rights of the oppressed and responsibility. These concepts were shared by both Nelson Mandela and Sam Nujoma. Nelson Mandela was defined as a largely transformational leader who debatably demonstrated charismatic leadership style as presented in Long Walk to Freedom. Sam Nujoma hugely demonstrated an authoritarian leadership style as outlined in Where Others Wavered. Equally, Nelson Mandela had several roles such as supporting, planning, networking and advocating for change through the activities of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League. The study established that Sam Nujoma had several leadership roles which included networking, planning and problem-solving roles as the front-line leader for South- West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in the fight for independence for Namibia. The study concluded that their leadership concepts differed but they share some similarities in networking, planning and problem-solving roles for pursuit of their country’s independence. The study recommends that future studies can compare countries that share regional boundaries such as Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Economic Community of West- African States (ECOWAS) in order to bring out an enhanced picture of African leadership.
Description
THESIS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT THE NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SUPERVISOR: DR MAX MHENE
OCTOBER 2022
Keywords
Namibia, leadership, autobiography, leadership roles
Citation
Munkuli, R. (2022). The concept of leadership in two autobiographies, Where others waivered and Long walk to freedom: A postcolonial reading [Master's thesis: Namibia University of Science and Technology].