New essays offer fresh insights into Albert Luthuli’s enduring example of integrity, selflessness

Puleng Segalo and Tinyiko Chauke have gathered the thoughts of a number of contributors, from across South Africa, to spark a series of new conversations about the transformative leadership of Albert Luthuli.

The book will be launched on Friday, 19 July in the Unisa Library’s Van Schaik Room at 4.30pm. The launch will also be broadcast online here.

Mpho Makwarela interviewed the editors. 

Mpho Makwarela: You have drawn on a range of 10 authors for this book. Can you expand on how these diverse perspectives build a broader understanding of Luthuli?

Puleng Segalo and Tinyiko Chauke: We have taken great care in selecting a diverse group of contributors, each bringing unique perspectives, backgrounds, experiences and “knowledges”. As you so aptly put it, the result is a comprehensive understanding of Luthuli, our enduring African hero. 

Within the pages of our book, readers will find insightful analyses of several facets of Luthuli’s leadership. These include his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance, ethical leadership style and focus on social justice. 

Additionally, our contributors shed light on Luthuli’s invaluable contributions to the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa.

They highlight his tireless advocacy for local communities’ rights, stories and experiences. Our book aims to prompt readers to reflect on Luthuli’s legacy, the lessons he offers and the importance of the collective articulation of shared interests, as we have done in this volume. 

As such, we believe that our diverse group of contributors presents a well-rounded and thought-provoking examination of Luthuli’s life and leadership.

MM: In your journey leading to the compilation of this book, which parts would you say were the most rewarding, surprising or challenging?

PS and TC: Putting this book together was an incredibly rewarding experience. We gained new perspectives on Luthuli as a person, religious figure, academic, father, husband and leader. 

The contributors pushed the boundaries and took us to uncharted territory, revealing previously untold stories that gave us an insightful look at Luthuli’s multifaceted political career. 

One of the most surprising things that was revealed about Luthuli’s leadership was the many faces and phases he embodied, which we can still observe in various socio-political elements of South African life today. 

However, compiling the book was challenging as well. We had to create a cohesive narrative while allowing individual perspectives to shine. This required careful consideration. 

The result is a comprehensive and multi-dimensional analysis of Inkosi Luthuli’s life and work that we hope will contribute significantly to the academic and political discourse on South African history and politics.

We’re excited about the book’s potential to spark new conversations and offer renewed insights into Luthuli’s legacy.

MM: What kinds of challenges did you face in presenting the diverse perspectives of these authors?

PS and TC: We encountered several. One of the most significant obstacles was the need to balance the diverse perspectives presented by the contributors, ensuring that every contribution was carefully considered while maintaining a consistent voice throughout the book.

Additionally, we had to manage large volumes of information, and we endeavoured to present it in a way that would be accessible to a broad audience. 

Unfortunately, some contributors dropped out of the project, making it impossible to represent Luthuli’s memory in ways we had imagined fully.

However, we recognise that such setbacks are not uncommon in academic writing or collaborative projects. Nevertheless, we worked tirelessly to maintain quality and integrity.

MM: In what way does Luthuli’s leadership inspire you personally?

PS and TC: In numerous ways. His unwavering dedication to nonviolent resistance, ethical leadership and social justice are values we deeply cherish in the spaces we occupy.

We are captivated by his ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to pursue a common goal, which reflects what we have done in this book. 

In addition, we greatly admire his emphasis on supporting “forgotten” communities and his recognition of the importance of land in the lives of displaced African people. 

Luthuli was the first African to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960, when symbols of black excellence were violently silenced in apartheid South Africa. 

Despite opportunities for personal enrichment, he refused to augment his salary with bribes or excessive fines, believing that the community could not afford to spend what little they had on such payments. 

He remains a significant figure of peace on the African continent, and his life and legacies remain relevant to the country’s politics and people.

MM: Your book does not shy away from uncovering the challenges that come with the task of political leadership.  What could current and future leaders gain from this volume?

PS and TC: Our book arrives as we commemorate 30 years of democracy in South Africa. 

In the wake of our national elections, all eyes are on the leaders who will take us into the future. In this context, our book reflects on our past, present and future leadership, mapping the way forward for our country. 

Drawing on practical examples, and by examining the challenges faced by Luthuli, we offer insight and guidance on the issues and opportunities of political leadership. 

We encourage leaders to be prepared to confront similar challenges, given that Africa is still grappling with the aftermath of oppressive states. We underscore the importance of upholding integrity, selflessness and service to the people, even in the face of immense pressure and adversity. 

Luthuli is a shining example of a leader who remained steadfastly committed to these values, prioritising the greater good over personal gain. His legacy teaches us that authentic leadership strives for progress and positive change rather than individual power. 

Leadership is a privilege with a significant responsibility to impact the lives of those one serves positively. 

MM: Do you have any advice for first-time authors taking on the complex task of writing a book?

PS and TC: If you’re a first-time author planning to compile a book on a political figure, you must be aware of the challenges and complexities that come with it. 

It’s crucial to conduct thorough research, collaborate with a diverse group of authors and experts in the field, and study the historical context of the time; the political and social climate, the significant events and milestones that shaped their life, and the key players in their life and work. 

Moreover, it’s essential to consider your target audience and write in a way that is easy to understand and engaging. 

Seeking feedback from other writers, editors or experts in the field can also be helpful to ensure that your work accurately represents the icon you are writing about, is well written and impactful. 

Be prepared to invest significant time and effort! DM

The Faces and Phases of Inkosi Albert Luthuli: Reflections, edited by Puleng Segalo and Tinyiko Chauke, is published by Unisa Press. Visit The Reading List for South African book news, daily – including interviews!