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Writer's pictureOlwam Mnqwazi

LEADERSHIP: An insignia more enduring (Olwam Mnqwazi)

Updated: Nov 1, 2022

New Book, Leadership: An Insignia More Enduring, delves into the shared responsibility of leadership by everyone in society.

In his second self-published book, Leadership: An Insignia More Enduring, author Olwam Mnqwazi investigates the notion that leadership is a shared responsibility by every individual in the society that they live and work in. Aimed to be part of our everyday conversations around ‘leading’, not only in positions we hold but also the paths we choose for our lives. By sharing personal experiences, Olwam expands on this notion by examining some key leadership imperatives to initiate this conversation.


This launch is made possible by the groundbreaking partnership with the 134 year old Parker Pen SA and Silveray Stationery Company. This partnership comes as an affirmation to the work of Black Hat, Olwam and the team that has been working together for the past six year since October 2016.


A reflection from the author: "Society falls or rises on the back of the quality of leadership it enjoys. Until recently, we have had to ask ourselves who is tasked with the responsibility to create good leaders for our developing country and how is the progress thereof? There are few designated institutions for leadership development in society, which is not good. Therefore, it is an opportune moment to start questioning this reality and posit some ideas of what we mean when talking about leadership. I wrote this book for engagement and critique. I focused mainly on the inner limits of leadership development, drawing from unlikely experiences, influences and ideas from my life and the people around me. My deepest conviction when authoring this book was the saying, "Like man, like state". The state is what it is because of the nature of its residents, who eventually rise to leadership positions. Equally, our country is the character of those who lead us. We can not expect to have better cities until we have better leaders who come from a good society." - Olwam Mnqwazi

In his debut book released in 2019, Writing the Way: Conversations I wish to have with you, is a compilation of short articles written to inspire people to think differently about their circumstances as they pursue personal success. A critique on society as we know it, it also introduced philosophical discussions and suggests new ways to approach life. Whilst leadership is misunderstood as only attainable for those who hold influential positions in society, Leadership: An Insignia More Enduring, Olwam believes a position does not make a leader, but leadership awareness is built from the inside out. Therefore, leadership is an emblem more enduring than any outward symbol, and it is engraved in the hearts of those who care about the people’s living conditions. In essence, this book touches the heart and nudges all new leaders towards a ‘more human face’.


Olwam will be joined at the book launch by:

  • A delegation from Parker Pen SA and Silveray Stationery Company;

  • A media sensation and SABC journalist, Lerato Fekisi;

  • A business leadership scholar from GIBS and Transnet Business Manager, Ziyanda Mpinda;

  • An academic and editor of the book being launched, Dr. Lucky Maluleke, and

  • A finance professional and respondent, Thandikhaya Mabenge.

BOOK LAUNCH DETAILS:





Leadership: An Insignia More Enduring is an “offering that falls nothing short of incisive, provocative and intrusive” - Siyabulela Zondani.

Olwam Mnqwazi is the Managing Director of the Black Hat Group, an innovative research and leadership development agency based in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. Mnqwazi is the founder and chairperson of the Fruits of Democracy, an NPO recognising youth excellence and public engagement in the Eastern Cape. He holds a BA degree majoring in Public Administration and Industrial & Organisational Psychology and BA Honours in Development Studies, both from Nelson Mandela University. Olwam holds unique authority on leadership exhibited by the awards ranging from the 2015 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans to Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential Young South African in Leadership & Civil Society in 2019. During this time, he has been working on his second book.

Payments may be made via:


or


BANK: First National Bank

Bank Account: Black Hat Leadership Academy (Pty) Ltd

Account Number: 62652586820

Branch Code: 211217

Reference: Your Name & Surname

e-Wallet: 064 009 9088

Switch Code: FIRNZAJJ

Proof of Payment: Send to info@black-hat.co.za

Book Cost: R250 a copy plus R100 courier (cost varies based on location)


***Well-wishers and donations are welcome for those who would like to. This will go a long way to ensure the success of our efforts to create an intellectual space in society.


For more information on the Book Launch, visit www.black-hat.co.za



All inquiries may be sent to info@black-hat.co.za



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Some of Olwam Mnqwazi’s Leadership Positions include but not limited to the following:

  • Board Treasurer of Empilweni TB Hospital (2017 - 2021)

  • Columnist at The Insight Newspaper (2017-2018)

  • Youth Development and Leadership Researcher at Centre for Integrated Post-School Education and Training - CIPSET, NMMU (2012-2016)

  • Convenor of South African Youth Council in Nelson Mandela Metro (Nov 2015-May2016)

  • Director at InkuluFreeHeid - a non-partisan youth movement (2013-2015)

  • LOC member of the National Youth Engagement (Conference of youth led organisations, 2013)

  • Co-founder of Fundisa Primary Fund - raises resources and helps primary schools (2010-2013)

  • NMMU SRC Deputy President (2009)

PROJECTS:

  • Fruits of Democracy Annual Awards (Founder and Coordinator, 2015 – currently)

    • Editor of Profile Magazine

    • Annual Book Launches

      • 2018: Khaya Dlanga’s ‘These Things Really Do Happen To Me’

      • 2017: Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s ‘Democracy and Delusions’

  • Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C75eFbTIzDI&t=85s

  • Beyond the Balance Sheet Annual Awards (Organising Committee member, 2015)

  • Students for Social Change Convention (Coordinator, 2014 & 2015)

    • Hosting TVET College and University SRCs for a conference to craft a common mandate)

  • Nelson Mandela Bay Youth Engagement with the National Planning Commission (Coordinator, 2014)

    • Minister Trevor Manuel and 4 other Commissioners attended at Nangoza Jebe Hall

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