Prof Schwella visits Graaff-Reinet

Video

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS & VIDEO - Prof Erwin Schwella, a well-known political analyst and Dean of the School of Social Innovation in Wellington, addressed the Graaff-Reinet Chamber of Commerce at their year-end function on Thursday 12 November.

Schwella was joined by his wife, Lizette, who is a psychologist.

The event was held at Karoo Park Guesthouse at 18:00.

The Chairperson of the chamber, Hento Davids, welcomed guests and introduced Schwella. Davids also extended a warm welcome to Deon de Vos, mayor of the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality.

"We've had to adapt to a new normal. Thank you for your support during this challenging year," Davids said to the members and thanked Kim von Behr Imrie and Arland Stanley for helping to organise the event.

The theme of the evening was Traders in Hope: Business People as Wealth Creators in Local Communities. Schwella kicked off his discussion with a few focus points from a piece written by Dr Anton Rupert in 1965, titled Die Resep vir Suksesvolle Leiers vir die Toekoms (The Recipe for Successful Leaders for the Future). The work was shared with Schwella by a chamber member, Johan Bouwer.

In short, Rupert wrote that leaders must have integrity and willpower, be an inspiration, and have discipline and authority. Above all, leaders are just as good as their last performance and must show continues leadership.

Watch a video below:

Referring back to the theme of the evening, Schwella stated that we live in an environment unlike ever before, and we must therefore continuously adapt our leadership styles and skills

"We live in a society with a love for power. We need to bring in the power of love," Schwella said. According to him, there is bound to be conflict in a highly-competitive and diverse society. "But we now see that social cohesion is being broken down across the country. We have come to a place where, as (philosopher) Thomas Hobbes said, life is solitary, nasty, poor, brutish and short."

Schwella believes that leaders must coordinate with others, they must judge but not condemn, and they must address systematic issues, not just the symptoms of these issues.

"Local leaders must also be sensitive and sensible towards others, have respect and perseverance, create successes and share the proof of their concepts with neighbouring towns."

Following an informal question-and-answer session, guests and chamber members enjoyed a delicious meal and dessert, provided by the guesthouse.

Local mayor Deon de Vos also attended the event.