The e’Bosch Community Leadership Summit convened in Stellenbosch on Saturday (2 November), uniting established and emerging leaders to address South Africa’s social, economic, and spiritual challenges.
Those attending included figures from diverse sectors such as community, business and youth leadership, as well as traditional and faith-based leaders. Together, they engaged in a day of insightful dialogue, strategic planning and a shared commitment to resilience for the 14 dorpies of Stellenbosch.
The summit was organised by e’Bosch. Organiser Dr Sias Mostert emphasised the need to confront “wicked problems” in Stellenbosch including economic hardship and social mobility. “This summit is a call to action. We have an opportunity to work together across various sectors to establish priorities that will nurture a thriving community for generations to come,” he said.
Speakers shared valuable perspectives on adaptive leadership, conflict transformation, and the role of intergenerational partnerships.
Christo van der Rheede, CEO of the FW de Klerk Foundation, introduced the adaptive leadership model, highlighting the importance of community-driven solutions that are flexible and responsive to local needs.
“Leadership today is about empowering others and fostering shared responsibility,” Van der Rheede stated. He advocated for collaborative approaches that address South Africa’s complex social dimensions.
Chris Spies, a veteran conflict transformation expert, offered insights into bridge-building leadership, stressing the potential for transformation within conflicts. “Conflict is not inherently destructive; it can fuel progress when addressed constructively,” he explained.
His approach underscored the significance of open dialogue, mutual respect and long-term commitment to foster understanding and unity.
The summit also highlighted the vital roles of entrepreneurship and spiritual leadership in community development.
Danie Jacobs, founder of the LaunchPad Business Incubator, emphasised the power of entrepreneurship to combat youth unemployment by equipping young people with practical skills to become job creators.
Prof Jurgens Hendriks, in turn, spoke on the transformative impact of spiritual leadership, advocating for a compassionate, inclusive approach that fosters resilience and unity across social and cultural divides.
Together, these perspectives underscored the summit’s commitment to building a sustainable, values-driven future for South Africa. Attendees engaged in work-stream sessions focused on key areas such as economic empowerment, youth development, and spiritual cohesion. Each group aimed to establish immediate, strategic and long-term goals, guided by e’Bosch’s core values of kingdom and ubuntu.
