South Africa transitioned to democracy in the 1990s with a visionary constitution, but the promises of that constitution are largely unfulfilled to this day. Public leader Lindiwe Mazibuko explores how poor leadership failed to deliver a better life for the country's citizens — and shares her mission to cultivate a new generation of ethical leaders who can revitalize democracy in South Africa and beyond.

Democracy works — we just need better leaders

South Africa’s democratic transition brought a visionary constitution, yet decades later, basic needs like education and water remain unmet for many. Despite guaranteed rights on paper, 81 percent of fourth graders cannot read for meaning, and public trust has eroded as corruption persists. Many young people now see authoritarianism as a viable tradeoff for security and jobs. True democratic progress depends on cultivating principled leaders committed to serving the public good.

Democracy Fails Without Ethical Leaders Who Deliver on Promises

Africa

leadership

democracy

government

politics

social change

future

TED Stage Talk

Lindiwe Mazibuko: Democracy works — we just need better leaders