Students orientated towards responsible leadership

17 February 2014

Mr Manqele is responsible for business development in existing and new markets and has extensive knowledge in labour relations matters. He addressed the students and they shared their thoughts on the topic, “the role of social media in making a transition to more responsible leadership”.

Mr Mangele pointed out that big business has a responsibility to empower and provide access to useful information that might empower people to attain a better life without a need for aid. “Is information not maybe the tool to be used to empower everyone so that the results are a sustainable solution that is based on individuals that pull themselves out of poverty?”, he said. Providing information and opening direct lines of communication may just be what companies need to engage in more than pure marketing and philanthropy. However, he pointed out that the challenge is that these consumers are often not integrated into global economy and this increases the scourge of poverty and self-sustainability. At the same time everyone at all levels now have direct access to companies and a platform to make their grievances public.

“You are the future leaders of this country and at the most will influence the future of the world. The world can no longer afford the luxury of a society that is not sustainable. As you lead current and future organisations you must take into account that the world is closer to you than it used to be. Your stakeholders are the key to your survival and success, so travel the journey with them where they are most likely to believe you. Use the tools at your disposal to effect change and to encourage a just society where everyone has a chance of survival and knowledge to support you”, Mr Mangele concluded.

Mr Sbu Manqele, a Group Business Director of Switch Group.