Reconciliation & Leadership
Introduction.
Waldmeir’s Anatomy of a Miracle: The End of Apartheid told a vivid story of the major changes and events that took place in South Africa. It told of how the government was changed to democracy from apartheid without a civil war which is unheard of. The ‘miracle’ refers to this peaceful occurrence. It was called a peaceful transition and without civil war but it did not mean it was filled with hard works, tears, prayers, etc. It highlights the how leadership and reconciliation under Mandela and Kierk had played a major role in the avoidance of violence and work toward uniting the two sides. The author also highlighted how the politics, the negotiations, and the people work together to change the direction and future of their country. I must admit that there are so many valuable lessons to be learned from them, I would like to explore from the perspective of the book, ‘No Future Without Forgiveness’ by Desmond Tutu.
Truth & Forgiveness
Desmond argued that in order for reconciliation to take place, truth must be told, then victims and perpetrators would engage in forgiveness.[1] He explained that forgiveness and reconciliation is impossible if there is no acknowledgment of the atrocities of the apartheid. He emphasized the validity of reminding or talking about what had happened or facing the truth for it is fundamental to a better tomorrow. He strongly argued that forgiveness is necessary to healing and to move forward.[2] Here he put emphasis on his country’s choice for the path to justice; to have healing, truth, and reconciliation.
Courage & Leadership
Another concept that was discussed, is the courage and leadership of both sides’ leaders, Nelson Mandela and Fredrik Williem de Klerk, especially as they acknowledge each other’s leadership, willing to take risks, and avoid a major armed conflict. On February 2, 1990, Mr. de Klerk as he stood in from of Parliament to make the traditional opening, he did the most unexpected remark – he began to dismantle the apartheid system and began the groundwork for a democratic South Africa.[3] This came about as the result of the ongoing negotiation between these two great leaders, Mandela and de Klerk. As for Mr. Despite enduring many years of imprisonment, Mandela persevered and remained committed to his cause. Regardless of which ruling party was in charge of South Africa, he did not let that deterred him. It reminded me of a piece which says, “You are in charge of your emotions, you thoughts, and you decisions. It is the law of personal responsibility, because everyone is responsible for leading something, even if that something is just you.” [4] He did not succumb to the fact that he was under the domain of the ruling party – jailed.
To Conclude
To close, I ask myself this, what are the lessons here and how do it relates to myself, my leadership journey and my role as a leader? There are many takeaways can be drawn from what happened in South Africa – both then and now. For this post, one of the takeaways is ‘No Forgiveness, No Future,’ and the importance of truthfulness not only to forgiveness but to healing as well both personally and professionally. Secondly, I would say, courageous leadership is basically one that is in charge of himself/herself regardless of the place or position that he/she is in.
[1] Tutu, Desmond. No Future Without Forgiveness (p. 27-29). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
[2] Tutu (p. 218).
[3] Mandela, Nelson. Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela (p. 556). Little, Brown and Company. Kindle Edition.
[4] Scroggins, Clay. How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority (p. 92). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
About the Author
Noel Liemam
7 responses to “Reconciliation & Leadership”
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Hi Noel, given discrimination and colonialism, how have you seen “No Forgiveness, No Future” affect your country?
Hi, Kari, thank you for your comment. I could say it does not manifest itself outwardly, but it does subconsciously in different ways. For example, Micronesia has gone through several occupation by several countries, we have developed this habit of dependency on others. We have this mentality, ‘since they did this, they should do this.’ This is just me; others might differ.
Personally, I believe that if we have this mentality of ‘forgive and forget,’ we will not shift the blame of us not being able to do things, but do what needed to be done ourselves. Thank you, Kari.
Noel, what role does truth-telling play in the church when people think that we have to be nice. How can we encourage truth-telling without compromising on grace?
This is hard to say, but being truthful within the context of reconciliation is essential. But sometimes being truthful is painful and hard. And if this is an important step toward forgiveness and reconciliation, so being open and truthful is necessary for forgiveness.
And to encourage truth-telling without compromising grace, I am not sure, but I would say that grace is when ‘forgive and forget.’ I would like to hear your side on this as a Pastor. Thank you again, Mr. Graham.
Hi Noel, Thank you for your conclusions. How can you encourage the community you serve toward courageous personal leadership?
Hi, Julie, thank you for the comment. Well. some practically ways would be to a leader of yourself by focusing self-growth as individual mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And to increase self-awareness through responsibility and accountability. Thank you again, Julie.
Hey Noel, Thank you for sharing. From what you’ve read and picked up as you look at the examples you mentioned, what does courageous leadership look like in these times?