Nurturing good governance in Africa

Abstract

We present this issue in the aftermath of the passing of Nelson Mandela – a leader whose commitment to the liberation and rennaissance of Africa and to equality and social justice remains unrivalled; a leader who many around the world associate with good governance and development on the continent. As we reflect on Mandela’s legacy, we think of him as a good leader whose charisma could inspire people to do more and better, and thus achieve desirable results towards development. It is common knowledge that the success or failure of our development policies occur through the lack of good leadership rather than lack of capacity, know-how or skills. Corruption, self-enrichment and nepotism are some of the undesirable acts that prevail when leadership and accountability are absent. During his presidency and post-presidency, amid technical and obviously human limitations, Nelson Mandela gave his best to shape policy and influence the world. As the world mourns this iconic leader, his words are echoed unchallenged by every continent: “I would like it to be said, here lies the man who has done his duty on Earth. That is all.” (Nelson Mandela) The African Journal of Governance and Development draws on Mandela’s commitment to governance and development on the African continent and seeks to unpack, interrogate and critique these values and concepts