9
LEADERSHIP AND ETHICS IN HIGHER
EDUCATION: SOME PERSPECTIVES
FROM EXPERIENCE
N. Barney Pityana“A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the
simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that
the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a
life so contrary to his example.”- Niccolo Machiavelli (1532).
“Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so
clearly that they come to see it in themselves.” - Stephen R Covey
9.1 Introduction
It is a well-attested fact that the challenge of the modern century is
the crisis of leadership. It is leadership that steers the course in war and
in peace, that ensures that objectives are met, and hopes and aspirations
realized. Yes, it is leadership that brings nations to the heights of
exhilaration, sense of pride and belonging, and yet, it is a failure of
leadership that brings people to the depths of despair and loss. Although