To bring farmers together and inspire them to be part of the solution to land reform and other challenges, Nedbank, Partners in Agri Land Solutions (PALS) and Stellenbosch University Business School collaborated to host the Responsible Leadership Symposium in White River, Mpumalanga.
PALS is a non-profit organisation and an agricultural transformation specialist that aims to create an enabling environment to implement innovative land reform and inclusive agricultural growth in support of social harmony.
During the event, Dr Reuel Khoza, a businessman and president of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), highlighted the importance of responsible leadership in addressing the challenges faced by South Africa in setting the economy on a growth path.
“South Africa’s political leaders are currently facing challenges and it’s important for them to lead responsibly,” said Khoza. “Responsible leadership is characterised by being responsive, transformational, accountable, fair and transparent. By embodying these characteristics, our leaders are more likely to act in the best interests of the nation.”
He also emphasised the importance to the nation of equitable land distribution. He mentioned the PALS model, which aims to address agricultural and food security issues by fostering partnerships between experienced individuals and those new to the field.
Professor Arnold Smit from Stellenbosch University Business School conducted a workshop on responsible leadership, saying it means being proactive and considering the long-term and sustainable impact of decisions, being mindful and relational, acting ethically for the common good, and maintaining integrity.
“In summary, responsible leaders are mindful and connected to self, others, work and the world; they collaborate with diverse stakeholders, make sound and ethical decisions, and drive change in business and society. This type of leadership can be applied across the workplace, marketplace, environment and community to ensure fair and ethical practices,” said Smit.
Nirmala Reddy, senior manager for enterprise development at Nedbank, said responsible leadership involves taking personal responsibility and focusing on creating sustainable global change and a strong desire to improve the world. According to Reddy, it is the individual commitment to responsibility that fuels the team at Nedbank and gives meaning to the bank’s purpose of using financial expertise for positive impact.
Nedbank collaborated with PALS in 2022 to provide funding for the training of new farmers using an advanced curriculum called Next-Level Training, which enhances the training provided by PALS since 2016.
“We are extremely proud that this funding has enabled the pioneering work and enriched training that guests experienced first-hand today,” said Reddy.
Nedbank’s association with PALS is a crucial part of its pledge to drive change in the agricultural field and support the sustainable growth of up-and-coming farmers, she said. “This, in turn, is aligned with our goals to contribute positively towards achieving food security, economic growth, job creation and skills development and transfer.”
According to SA PALS chairperson Dr Heinrich Jantjies, the event provided the opportunity to learn and grow together in the true PALS spirit. Jantjies said responsible leaders live, work and lead with a broader vision in mind.
“They look at the land and see themselves as its stewards. They look at others and see in them stakeholders in a common future. They look at society and see themselves as citizens who contribute to the common good for all.
“We believe that creating responsible leaders and promoting responsible leadership is the way forward. It is one thing to lead but it’s another to lead responsibly, and we are proud to have partnered with Nedbank and the Stellenbosch University Business School to inspire our guests to do just that.”
Other stakeholders who attended the event were Pieter du Toit, Witzenburg PALS founding member and vice-chairperson, and members of PALS, Hortgro and the NMTB Nsikhayesintu Trust Project.
