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The second KAS-CANRAD youth dialogue titled “Ethical Leadership for Good Governance,”. took place on the 10 April at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.
The aim of the dialogue was to have a constructive and meaningful exchange of ideas among young people from diverse backgrounds, including university students, community members, and high school learners on the meaning of ethical leadership. The dialogue sought to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience by bringing together speakers from academic, legal, and public leadership spaces.
The panelists were Ms Nomtha Menye, (Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Leadership and Governance) Mr Phakamani Pungupungu (Nelson Mandela University), Ms Sarah Goldman (Sustainability and Regulatory Lawyer and KAS scholar) and Ms Nobathembu Koko (PR Councillor). Ms Ntokozo Mudenda facilitated the discussions.
The panelists provided academic, philosophical, legal, and practical insights, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of the topic. This was reflected in the quality of participant contributions during the engagement sessions, indicating that the dialogue successfully enhanced participants’ comprehension of ethical leadership and governance. Participants were encouraged to actively participate in governance and leadership processes. Through robust discussions and engagement with experienced speakers, participants were encouraged to think critically about governance issues and to consider how ethical leadership can be applied within their own communities and institutions. While the dialogue was not primarily focused on drafting formal policy recommendations, it aimed to lay the groundwork for future youth-led initiatives and contributions to policy discourse.
The contribution by speakers, particularly the emphasis on youth agency and participation, appeared to resonate strongly with participants. This was evident in the enthusiasm shown during the dialogue and the expressed interest by some participants in future initiatives.
The outcomes contributed to the broader objective of promoting good governance by cultivating a generation of ethically conscious and informed young leaders. By imparting knowledge, encouraging dialogue, and fostering active participation, the dialogue sought to support long-term efforts toward building transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance systems.
Participants were inspired to reflect on their own roles as emerging leaders and active citizens, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility, agency, and ethical awareness.
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