There seems to be a universal leadership crisis or problems in most Black universities and universities of technology. THE THEORY that seems universal is THE BIG MAN AND THE BIG MAN THEORY.” Many leaders want to be Vice Chancellors for life, like paramount chiefs. They did not even produce evidence that indicates that there was a positive change or improvement during their tenure. Although specific names and institutions are often not publicly disclosed due to legal and reputational sensitivities, several studies and opinion pieces highlight systemic issues.
EXISTING LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES:
1. Venomous Leadership Style with the following characteristics:
- Repression.
- Crony capitalism.
- Favouritism/employment.
- Self-absorbed leadership style.
- Hatred of independent thinkers.
- Vicious criticism.
Many staff members, student leaders, and unionists are afraid of retaliation and generic weak accountability cultures.
2. Incapable leaders beyond merger processes:
Research found that the post-merger leadership of some universities inherently possessed weak transformative leadership. Some of these leaders were cowards, uncertain, fearful of the unknown and risk, and emotionally disconnected, preventing institutional progress.
3. Student Leadership Establishment
Some student leaders feel entitled to lead until their graves, despite providing poor leadership that offers no benefits to the university or the general student body. This “leadership wormhole” reflects a broader issue of leadership stagnation in institutions. It is sometimes tolerated by the executive management and external political forces.
4. Academic senior perspectives
Research has established that some professors, academic deans, and HoDs experienced both destructive leadership styles from politically appointed Vice Chancellors and executive management. Behaviours. The executive management displayed poor communication, lack of integrity, lack of strategic foresight, poor understanding of the academic project, unresolved conflicts, and reification.
CONCLUSION:
- Leadership has sadly failed.
- Politicisation of the universities won.
- Corruption and crony capitalism have won.
- Student leadership emphasised.
- Weakened or non-existent accountability structures.
- Transformation fails because of VCs for life and resistance to change.
NB:
The “Big Man” concept refers to an autocratic, corrupt ruler in political science or a powerful, influential leader in a tribal society.”
“Big Man Theory” can be seen as a variation of the “Great Man Theory” of leadership, which claims that leaders are born with inherent traits.”
by
Dr. Sefoko Ramoshaba
Social Justice Proponent
