Futurelect’s Southern Africa Public Leadership Programme fellows from Namibia, Zambia, Malawi and South Africa convened for Seminar Six, Leadership by Design, in Namibia recently to explore the challenges and opportunities of driving change for the better in their communities.
This comes as Namibia steps into a new political chapter with its first female leader, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Futurelect is a non-profit, public benefit organisation with operations in South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom and Ghana from late 2025, which is committed to strengthening democracy in Africa. They support a new generation of ethical political and government leaders and promote active, engaged citizenship amongst Africa’s young electorates.
Hosted at the Parliament of Namibia and Hilton Windhoek Hotel, the seminar challenged fellows to move from political theory to hands-on leadership innovation, using design thinking to reimagine governance from the inside out.
In her opening remarks, the former first lady, Monica Geingos, encouraged the fellows to define and never compromise on their core values. She further advised them to use their social capital to drive their purpose as they develop their communities.
Former justice minister Yvonne Dausab on her part shared lessons on navigating systems of power without losing sight of principle and spoke of leading change within rigid structures. Speaking to fellows, “You don’t have to wait for perfect conditions to lead. You lead by showing up, being prepared, and staying true to your values,” said Dausab.
Netherlands Ambassador to South Africa, Joanne Doornewaard, who is also responsible for Namibia, Botswana, eSwatini, and Lesotho, emphasised finding common ground with the people one disagrees with in service to the community.
The Public Service Fellows also had an opportunity to engage with Futurelect programme alumnus Steven Harageib, an experienced senior development practitioner and policy strategist working at the intersection of youth agency, transitional justice, and systems change across Africa and the global South. Harageib has served in government, NGO, and advisory roles from the Office of the President of Namibia to the African Union.
“The urgency of the moment demands that we show up and build a political culture rooted in empathy and compassion,” he stated.
Guided by Marike Groenewald of Anew, a renowned leadership and organisational development organisation, fellows engaged in structured problem-solving techniques, identifying community needs, defining real-world problems, and coming up with solutions to challenges their communities face daily.
Wellington Radu, Futurelect’s Regional Head of Programmes for Southern Africa, said, “We’re not just supporting incredible, ethical candidates to lead communities throughout the region. We’re preparing young political leaders who can rethink how governance is done, leaders who are responsive, grounded, and serious about public service.”
The final programme seminar of the current cohort will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, this month, marking the end of a seven-month intensive leadership development journey.
The next intake opens in late October 2025. Only 25 to 30 fellows will be selected for this highly sought-after programme.
Aspiring public leaders ready to serve with competence, integrity and courage are urged to apply early to avoid disappointment.