Inkosi1 Albert Luthuli’s Leadership Style(s): Implications for School Leaders Building Effective Schools

Abstract

Arguably, Inkosi Albert Luthuli was among the most influential leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) in the 1950s until his death in 1968. The first African in history to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961, Luthuli became the symbol for righteousness, peace and fairness in a South Africa that perpetrated state violence against the oppressed. Renowned for his equanimity and resolute nature Luthuli was a steadfast leader of the people. Many oral historians continue to unravel information that attests to these characteristics. This paper focuses on the leadership qualities that Luthuli practiced. It unravels qualities school leaders can utilize from the philosophy of this Nobel Prize Laureate. The values he cherished continue to be relevant in today’s organizations. This paper explores specific qualities enshrined in Luthuli’s philosophy; inclusiveness, social justice, peace, anti-violence and diversity. Amongst others, the paper concludes by contending that effective leaders will emulate the servant leadership qualities that Luthuli embodied. South Africa produced various leaders during and after his time. However, it was Luthuli’s unique personality that made him the powerful yet humble leader that he was. In building and sustaining working schools, school leaders can glean much from his style and model of leadership.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n6p301