Olwam Mnqwazi'a Book Launch

New Book, Leadership: An Insignia More Enduring, delves into the shared responsibility of leadership by everyone in society.

In his second self-published book, Leadership: An Insignia More Enduring, author Olwam Mnqwazi investigates the notion that leadership is a shared responsibility by every individual in the society that they live and work in. Aimed to be part of our everyday conversations around ‘leading’, not only in positions we hold but also the paths we choose for our lives. By sharing personal experiences, Olwam expands on this notion by examining some key leadership imperatives to initiate this conversation.

This launch is made possible by the groundbreaking partnership with the 134 year old Parker Pen SA and Silveray Stationery Company. This partnership comes as an affirmation to the work of Black Hat, Olwam and the team that has been working together for the past six year since October 2016.

A reflection from the author: "Society falls or rises on the back of the quality of leadership it enjoys. Until recently, we have had to ask ourselves who is tasked with the responsibility to create good leaders for our developing country and how is the progress thereof? There are few designated institutions for leadership development in society, which is not good. Therefore, it is an opportune moment to start questioning this reality and posit some ideas of what we mean when talking about leadership. I wrote this book for engagement and critique. I focused mainly on the inner limits of leadership development, drawing from unlikely experiences, influences and ideas from my life and the people around me. My deepest conviction when authoring this book was the saying, "Like man, like state". The state is what it is because of the nature of its residents, who eventually rise to leadership positions. Equally, our country is the character of those who lead us. We can not expect to have better cities until we have better leaders who come from a good society." - Olwam Mnqwazi


In his debut book released in 2019, Writing the Way: Conversations I wish to have with you, is a compilation of short articles written to inspire people to think differently about their circumstances as they pursue personal success. A critique on society as we know it, it also introduced philosophical discussions and suggests new ways to approach life. Whilst leadership is misunderstood as only attainable for those who hold influential positions in society, Leadership: An Insignia More Enduring, Olwam believes a position does not make a leader, but leadership awareness is built from the inside out. Therefore, leadership is an emblem more enduring than any outward symbol, and it is engraved in the hearts of those who care about the people’s living conditions. In essence, this book touches the heart and nudges all new leaders towards a ‘more human face’.

Olwam will be joined at the book launch by:
- A delegation from Parker Pen SA and Silveray Stationery Company;
- A media sensation and SABC journalist, Lerato Fekisi;
- A business leadership schorlar from GIBS and Transnet Business Manager, Ziyanda Mpinda;
- An academic and editor or the book, Dr. Lucky Maluleke, and
- A finance professional and respondent, Thandikhaya Mabenge

R150 for entrance; R400 all-inclusive charge