South Africa: The SA Army Transformation office, under the leadership of Senior Staff Officer Transformation, Colonel Lydia Dipuo Raadt, hosted a two-day leadership empowerment seminar at Thaba Tshwane City Hall in Pretoria aimed at SA Army Officers Commanding and their Regimental Sergeant Majors.
The seminar focused on the importance of coaching and mentoring and defining leadership. The seminar was attended by 150 Commanding Officers and 150 Regimental Sergeant Majors from various SA Army units.
The Chief of the SA Army arrived on Day 1 of the seminar to officially open the seminar and wish the SA Army Transformation office success in achieving the objectives intended. On Day 1 of the seminar on 14 March 2023, the Chief of the SA Army was briefed by Senior Staff Officer SA Army Transformation, Colonel L.D. Raadt on the objectives of the seminar before his opening address.
In his opening address, the Chief of the SA Army expressed his gratitude to the SA Army Transformation office and to the Officers Commanding and Regimental Sergeant Majors from across the SA Army in attendance. He eluded that this seminar was an important and integral part of the work of the SA Army to ensure that SA Army leadership is empowered and equipped with the right skills and attitude to ensure that the people we serve are also empowered and inspired.
Over this two-day seminar, coaching, mentoring and leadership were unpacked. Various speakers from different industries and military environments were invited. The following topics were covered; Mr Sivuyile Bam from the Defence Secretarial office presented leadership in peace and security, while Brigadier General S. Ledwaba covered the impact of coaching and mentoring for leaders.
Miss Ellen Rakobo from SAAB Grintek spoke on mentoring and coaching concepts in leadership. Professor T. Theletsane from the Military Academy presented mentoring and coaching in an academic context.
Major General (Retired) L. Smith addressed coaching and mentoring from a military leadership perspective. Anthony Njoroge, Hild Protection Edge Specialist from Kenya, presented an Introduction to coaching and mentoring sessions. Pastor Tshidi from the television show Pastor’s Wives and Chief Director Human Resources Major General N.E. Mkhize delved deep into the importance of coaching and mentoring and how mentoring and coaching continue to assist them in facing everyday challenges and contributing to their success.
In his closing address at the end of the 2-day seminar, the Chief of the SA Army said, “For us to say we have reached the desired end state, we must come up with a course of action that speaks to the purpose and the outcome of this seminar. You have informed me that the objectives have been reached. Let this reflect on how we approach our subordinates. Let those we lead see the change.”
He thanked all the Officers Commanding and Regimental Sergeant Majors for allowing themselves to receive the knowledge and thanked the guest speakers and the organisers. The newly appointed Chief Director of Transformation Management in the South African National Defence Force, Major General Zuziwe Maso, also graced the event with her presence.