The Leadership in Practice Award takes into cognisance the nominee's business achievements over the past few years and the value these achievements have added to society and the South African economy at large. While these achievements are often the visible elements of leadership, intangible qualities such as the crafting of visionary insights, shifting of paradigms, shaping of core values and ability to influence and inspire people are key motivators in the awarding of this honour.
"Reverend Dr. Chikane is widely recognised as the face of truth," says Professor Valiant Clapper, acting CEO and executive director of UNISA's Graduate School of Business Leadership. "He embodies the principles of honesty, loyalty, transparency and ethics. Despite years of political strife and struggle, he has remained a shining beacon of hope to the people of South Africa. In addition, he continues to work towards a higher ideal with the church, and he never hesitates to roll up his sleeves for the betterment of the community."
The son of a preacher in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, Reverend Dr. Chikane grew up in Soweto. While studying science at the University of the North, he became involved in the Black Consciousness Movement, leading protests against apartheid. He was ordained by the church in 1980.
In 1985, he was one of the leading promoters of the Kairos document, a denunciation of apartheid. From 1987 to 1994, he was Secretary General of the South African Council of Churches, and in 1995 he earned a Master of Public Administration qualification from Harvard Kennedy School. He has been a member of the ANC's National Executive Committee since 1997 and was Director General of the Office of the President under Thabo Mbeki from 1999 to 2010. He also consulted for Presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma.
