our roots

Message from the DVC Academic Affairs
Prof. Rev. James Kombo
Creative and
transformational leaders
for Africa and the world
Dear graduands!
Allow me to assume that your choice of the theme
Creative and transformational leaders for Africa and the world
testifies not only to your felt vacuum in the leadership arena
but to your willingness to rise to the occasion and fill this
vacuum as well. It is commonly agreed that transformational
leadership encompasses identification of the need to change,
being passionate about change and executing the change in
line with members’ collective identity. It entails being a role
model for followers in order to inspire them and raise their
interest in accomplishment of a given project. It has been said
that Africa’s main undoing is poor leadership. In his book ‘The
trouble with Nigeria’, Chinua Achebe doesn’t blame resources,
people or systems of Nigeria, but the leadership. He opines
that everything rises and falls on leadership. However, Frik
Landman, the CEO of USB Executive Development, regrets
that leadership in Africa is often presented to the world in
form of dysfunctional and derailed leadership. Instead, he
feels that Africa has an abundance of sound and responsible
leaders on all levels and dimensions of society, but that the
leaders need to emerge and become visible. It is therefore
critical that creative and transformational servant leaders
arise to take the African continent to the next level. Will
you be among the number when creative transformational
servant leaders in Africa are counted or will you add to the
statistic of poor leadership?
There are 4 components to transformational leadership,
sometimes referred to as the 4 I’s that are very critical for
you as a creative and transformational leader. First, you
must seek to propagate Idealized Influence. As you graduate
from Daystar, seek to be an ideal role model for followers.
Endeavour to “walk the talk”, to be faithful in your work.
Secondly, you must propagate Inspirational Motivation.
Transformational leaders have the ability to inspire and
motivate followers. Your words and confessions will therefore
be very critical in either motivating or discouraging others
and yourself from discharging a task. You will also need to
demonstrate Individualized Consideration. Transformational
leaders demonstrate genuine concern for the needs and
feelings of others. This personal attention to the needs of
others is a key element in bringing out their very best efforts.
Finally, you must reflect Intellectual Stimulation. The leader
challenges others to be innovative and creative. A common
misunderstanding is that transformational leaders are “soft”;
the truth is that they constantly challenge others to higher
levels of performance. You have today been given the powers
to read and do all that appertains to your degree. Endeavour
to grow intellectually.
I cannot sign out without drawing from the wisdom of
a transformational leader that existed in the Bible days.
Abraham was a common man. He used transformational
leadership principles to win great victories, destroy
paganism and spread the roots for Judaism and Christianity.
He mobilized a small clan and fought four powerful
kings (Genesis 14) in order to rescue his nephew Lot. He
demonstrated courage to take risks and confidence to carry
out visions. He cared a lot about people. He even invited
strangers into his home and provided food and drink for
them (Genesis 18). Abraham also firmly believed in justice for
all. He argued with God to save Sodom and Gomorra from
destruction. He was also willing to make personal sacrifices
for his beliefs and love for God. May you also go out and do
the same. Be strong and courageous. Hold firmly on your
Christian and professional convictions. Be a creative servant
leader. Transform the world to the glory of God.
Shalom!
DaystarConnect 2015 • 7