CHAPTER 3: TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP 3.1 Introduction Transformative Leadership refers to leadership that brings about radical change and engenders widespread improvements in peoples’ lives.13 Transformative leadership may be characterised as visionary and oriented towards achieving goals and objectives. Such leadership is geared towards change, and possesses certain attributes and qualities, including vision, innovation, integrity, honesty, people-centredness (inclusiveness, responsiveness), prudence, and effectiveness. This is “…leadership that can set visions, provide selfless and capable leadership to turn the fortunes of the continent around”.14 Additionally, such leadership is developmentoriented, with the capacity to accelerate the realization of AU Agenda 2063 and global UN SDGs. Therefore, transformative leadership is central to governance, because it determines the future direction of change, the trajectory of human and social progress, and prudent management of national resources for sustained development. All the relevant AU instruments are an essential element for the realisation of such leadership for the transformation of Africa. 3.2 Overview of Trends in Transformative Leadership The year 1963, when the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established, is considered a historical year because of the consensus on the adoption of African shared values. It is also the starting point for analysing governance trends in the African continent. The adoption of democratic systems of government gathered momentum in the 1990s and since then, African leaders have presided over democratic changes and constitutional reforms to grant more freedoms, restore multiparty political systems and guarantee free and fair legislative and presidential elections. Other progressive reforms by African transformative leadership have included the establishment of supreme audit authorities, offices of public defenders, independent prosecution authorities, independent judiciaries and legislatures with effective balance of power mechanisms. African leaders have also encouraged the expansion of the private media and communications, notably through (regulated) growth of the internet and mobile telephony. As pointed out in the chapter on constitutionalism and the rule of law, many African leaders have encouraged democratization and made efforts to respect presidential term limits, human rights, institutional checks and balances, and established systems of judicial review. African countries are thus making steady progress in consolidating democracy. The African public appreciates democratic principles and practices, as manifested in their active participation in civil society and in the electoral process. 13 African Capacity Building Foundation, Africa Capacity Report 2018, page iv. 14 Sten Rylander, 2010. Governance and transformative leadership in Africa: progress, prospects and challenges. Harare: ACBF Development Memoirs Series (ACBFDMS/005/2010). Page 33 of 96