I wish our politicians, particularly those in government, could emulate Nelson Mandela. There are many lessons they could learn from him. One of these is how to be a great communicator.
A functioning democracy needs an informed citizenry. Providing citizens with adequate information on priorities, programmes and activities ensures the legitimacy of a government. It also promotes transparency, accountability, good governance and accelerated development.
When delivering his political report to the 49th ANC national conference in Bloemfontein in 1994, Mandela said: "The lesson that needs to be kept in mind, especially in the current period when we have to contend with serious difficulties of governance and delivery, is that the solution lies in engaging and involving the people through all stages of the process and honestly explaining to them the difficulties we face and the reasons behind some unpopular decisions we may have to take.
"This is the best antidote to attempts by opportunists of all hues to gain popularity on the basis of radical-sounding but impractical propositions."
In recent times there have been a series of protests and resistance towards some of the government's "unpopular decisions". These include the death of soldiers in the Central African Republic, the Dalai Lama visa incidents, and the e-tolls controversy.
More recently are the Russian nuclear agreement, the escape of Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, the Iran secret deal, and the minibus taxi conflict in Mamelodi.
Some of these decisions, could have been understood, embraced and supported by stakeholders had the government engaged and communicated its "unpopular decisions".
As Mandela warned, insufficient government communication has resulted in the emergence of political dragons and vampires who propagate impractical, radical and self-serving propositions and ideologies that promise false solutions to desperate people.
While the government has delivered significantly since 1994, there are still huge challenges of economic stagnation, corruption, crime, unemployment, xenophobia and other social ills. These are the cause of the feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty felt by some citizens.
The test of good leadership is not when there is good news to communicate. That is easy to do. Great communicators show their mettle when they have to share the uncomfortable, own up to mistakes or wrongdoing, or admit to failure.
During trying times, leaders need to communicate in a way that removes doubt as quickly as possible. Things become less frightening when leaders are willing to talk about issues openly and honestly. And often, when, where and how they say things is more important than what they are actually saying.
Communication is shaped by three factors - thoughts, feelings and actions.
Through his vision, principles, thoughts, words and actions, Mandela personified a communications genius.
Communication guru Liz Wainger says Mandela should be remembered for communications that expressed principles values, beliefs and goals; created and shared a strong message; were firm, bold, honest, authentic and consistent; addressed uncertainties, hopelessness and confusion.
He used simple yet expressive language. His communication was accompanied by a smile and he showed compassion. He also used body language very well.
Indeed, a great lesson to learn from one of the world's greatest leaders. After all, leadership is about developing influence, selling hope to a people and being able to move them as Mandela did.
One cannot influence anyone without first communicating and engaging with them sensitively and sensibly.
"A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But, when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special" said Mandela.
And that "something very special" is effective leadership communications. Our government and MPs need to take this lesson to heart.
lKhumalo is a political and communications strategist. He writes in his personal capacity.
Government needs Mandela style of communication
I wish our politicians, particularly those in government, could emulate Nelson Mandela. There are many lessons they could learn from him. One of these is how to be a great communicator.
A functioning democracy needs an informed citizenry. Providing citizens with adequate information on priorities, programmes and activities ensures the legitimacy of a government. It also promotes transparency, accountability, good governance and accelerated development.
When delivering his political report to the 49th ANC national conference in Bloemfontein in 1994, Mandela said: "The lesson that needs to be kept in mind, especially in the current period when we have to contend with serious difficulties of governance and delivery, is that the solution lies in engaging and involving the people through all stages of the process and honestly explaining to them the difficulties we face and the reasons behind some unpopular decisions we may have to take.
"This is the best antidote to attempts by opportunists of all hues to gain popularity on the basis of radical-sounding but impractical propositions."
In recent times there have been a series of protests and resistance towards some of the government's "unpopular decisions". These include the death of soldiers in the Central African Republic, the Dalai Lama visa incidents, and the e-tolls controversy.
More recently are the Russian nuclear agreement, the escape of Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, the Iran secret deal, and the minibus taxi conflict in Mamelodi.
Some of these decisions, could have been understood, embraced and supported by stakeholders had the government engaged and communicated its "unpopular decisions".
As Mandela warned, insufficient government communication has resulted in the emergence of political dragons and vampires who propagate impractical, radical and self-serving propositions and ideologies that promise false solutions to desperate people.
While the government has delivered significantly since 1994, there are still huge challenges of economic stagnation, corruption, crime, unemployment, xenophobia and other social ills. These are the cause of the feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty felt by some citizens.
The test of good leadership is not when there is good news to communicate. That is easy to do. Great communicators show their mettle when they have to share the uncomfortable, own up to mistakes or wrongdoing, or admit to failure.
During trying times, leaders need to communicate in a way that removes doubt as quickly as possible. Things become less frightening when leaders are willing to talk about issues openly and honestly. And often, when, where and how they say things is more important than what they are actually saying.
Communication is shaped by three factors - thoughts, feelings and actions.
Through his vision, principles, thoughts, words and actions, Mandela personified a communications genius.
Communication guru Liz Wainger says Mandela should be remembered for communications that expressed principles values, beliefs and goals; created and shared a strong message; were firm, bold, honest, authentic and consistent; addressed uncertainties, hopelessness and confusion.
He used simple yet expressive language. His communication was accompanied by a smile and he showed compassion. He also used body language very well.
Indeed, a great lesson to learn from one of the world's greatest leaders. After all, leadership is about developing influence, selling hope to a people and being able to move them as Mandela did.
One cannot influence anyone without first communicating and engaging with them sensitively and sensibly.
"A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But, when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special" said Mandela.
And that "something very special" is effective leadership communications. Our government and MPs need to take this lesson to heart.
lKhumalo is a political and communications strategist. He writes in his personal capacity.
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