Africa can draw on the leadership values of its past to build stronger institutions, restore public trust and reclaim its intellectual future.
This was the central message from Prof. Gilbert Motsaathebe, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU).
He delivered the keynote address at the third Annual Kgosi Motsile III JOM More Mamogale memorial lecture, and focused on the theme “Honouring legacy: Integrating constitutionalism and ethical leadership to reclaim Africa’s intellectual futures”.
Prof. Motsaathebe argued that Kgosi Mamogale’s leadership provides a model for leaders facing modern challenges such as corruption, poor service delivery and declining trust in public institutions.
“Real authority comes from action, service and wisdom, and a true king’s legacy rests on impact, not merely a throne,” he said.
He used ubuntu leadership philosophy to explain Kgosi Mamogale’s approach. Ubuntu places collective well-being, consultation and service at the heart of leadership.
“Under ubuntu leadership, resources such as land and minerals are regarded as collective assets belonging to morafe and its future generations, not as personal possessions to be exploited for individual wealth,” Prof. Motsaathebe said.
Born in Bethanie in 1886, Kgosi Mamogale became a prominent traditional leader and an influential figure in the early liberation movement. He was among the founding figures of the South African Native National Congress, which later became the African National Congress.
His leadership extended beyond politics. He advocated for access to education and opposed the 1913 Natives’ Land Act. In 1919, he authored a Memorandum of Grievances to the Governor-General, calling for the abolition of the Act and demanding that Africans be consulted on laws affecting them.
Kgosi Mamogale also understood the importance of land ownership. He mobilised the Bakwena Ba Mogopa to buy and consolidate farms, including Swartrand, Hartebeeslaagte, Nooitgedacht and Elandsfontein.
Prof. Motsaathebe said these actions showed how leadership could combine vision with practical service.
Kgosi Mamogale also relied on consultation and consensus. Through the lekgotla system, community members could take part in decisions about land, resources and resistance.
“Constitutionalism is about abiding by the law,” said Prof. Motsaathebe. “It means submitting to due process as leaders, if necessary, because it is about the rule of law, where laws apply equally to everyone, leaders included.”
He argued that these principles remain relevant to political, traditional, academic and institutional leaders today. Authority, he said, should be viewed as a responsibility rather than an entitlement.
The same principle applies to Africa’s intellectual development. Prof. Motsaathebe said reclaiming the intellectual future of Africa requires institutions where African knowledge systems can contribute meaningfully to knowledge creation.
He stressed that decolonising intellectual spaces does not mean rejecting knowledge from outside Africa. Instead, African scholarship should engage globally while drawing confidently on local knowledge, languages, histories and intellectual traditions.
Universities, governments, traditional authorities, schools, cultural institutions, the media and communities all have a role to play. Together, they can preserve cultural memory while creating new knowledge for future generations.
“Reclaiming Africa’s intellectual futures, we must look to our roots. We must merge the power of our ancient institutions with absolute ethical integrity,” said Prof. Motsaathebe.
He concluded that honouring Kgosi Mamogale should go beyond remembrance. His values should inform how present and future generations approach leadership, accountability and development.
“His actions reflect a true servant of the people, and more should be done to honour his legacy so future generations can learn from his virtues,” he said.
For Prof. Motsaathebe, Kgosi Mamogale’s example carries a clear message: Africa’s future will require leaders who see themselves as custodians of their communities and who measure success by the well-being of the people they serve.
Photo: Prof. Gilbert Motsaathebe says the legacy of Kgosi JOM More Mamogale offers important lessons on ethical leadership, constitutionalism, land, education and the role of African knowledge in shaping the future of the continent.
