LEADERSHIP AND KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION
What constitute good leadership and what is the role of a leader or leadership? Does one have to be elected in Polokwane or put differently is winning the Polokwane leadership contest an embodiment of a good leader or leadership?
Samuel Makinda says, “the term leadership conjures up the image of an exemplary figure; of someone who can help others set goals and achieve them. It also implies the capacity to control, shape or direct an entity, an activity or a process. This capacity requires creative and imaginative thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship. Leadership has to be defined in terms of driving or motivating an organization, a state, a government or any group to achieve something. It is the ability, willingness and a commitment to mobilize and utilize the best resources, operational skills and techniques available to attain a given goal or resolve a problem. In other words, good leaders must demonstrate a commitment to seek the best means, or make the necessary sacrifices to pursue the goals that they have set or provide a solution to an existing problem. They should also be able to motivate or inspire their constituents to pursue their goals with confidence.”