Leadership in our society

Speaking of leadership in this country, one is bound to come across one core fundamental concept to which we should all submit to: democracy- the government for the people, by the people. Is it truly for the people and by the people?
It has had its ups and downs in the last 16 years. But the downs more than the ups. The ups, which are the virtues, have been entirely influenced by a united leadership force by the government in partnership with the people, for a better South Africa. The downside, unfortunately dominating, was piloted mainly by self-centred, destructive, individualistic leadership tendencies of those leaders seeking more power in corruption.
Democracy was “introduced” in 1994, since then, most leadership systems have undergone this particular concept, from schools, universities, organisations, and politics. Leaders have been elected upon the brilliance of their manifestos, virtues of their tempting promises and the remarkable influence of their speeches to the public. Since 1994, it has not mattered who you are, what you have or haven’t done to/for society, you will get votes, as long as you present a well structured, intelligent-sounding, promise-filled speech that will get people jumping in excitement.
Leadership in our society, and in every society in fact, is a very diverse topic, but the perfect specimen for leadership assessment of any society, is politics. In South Africa, unlike many other countries such as North America, Ghana, United Kingdom, Canada etc ( where an individual is scrutinized and interviewed, literally debates with other individuals publicly for the state presidency), the people vote upon a certain political party, not individual. This in turn, potrays leadership in a certain parties terms, not the people.
There has been real development that is indeed good, and deserves a proficient amount of recognition, but political leadership in most of our society, leaves much to be desired.
Development of Key areas
The keys roles of leadership in any society are mainly service to the nation, by honouring the constitiution, maintaining a healthy, transparent public image, ensuring service delivery, and of course, the production of potential/prospective leaders, all these roles driven particularly for the people, to benefit the people, not the leader. In our country, number of votes, political organisations, cabinet ministries, official salaries, tenders, racism, expensive ministerial cars, court cases, freedom songs, just to name a few, top the list of priority, while poverty reigns, basic education is pathetic, Christianity is fading away, crime and corruption continues, social integration is fighting a losing battle, where is the leadership in this country, one would ask... These elements are at the centre of a successful and self-sufficient democracy that benefits those who submit to it.
It is apparent, that in South Africa, leadership is misconceived as power, possession, prestige and position, while it ought to be about delivering upon your word, and upon what the needs of the entire nation, rich or poor, black or white, ANC or DA.
The truth is South Africa would certainly shake newer grounds, and development faster, if leadership grew into a selfless, honest, serving and mature mindset that it should have. Then, the country would finally be able compete on an international stage, not the pathetic interracial contest, that keeps retarding our growth progress.
Eradication fraud, corruption and theft in top positions, is another key role that is keeping the economical status of the country in contempt. Referring mainly to leaders that privately misuse taxpayers money, for self service, comntinues to widen the gap between rich and poor, in turn increasing poverty, and retarding economic growth. These self serving trends of the majority of ours leaders here, cripples not only the lives of the current generation, but already puts a burden on many more governments to come in the future generations of this country.
Open mindedness and future perspective are two more key aspects that our leaders could develop in.
And lastly, inspiring, motivating and purpose. driven leaders are the stimulants needed to get the nation fired up, Leaders like Dr. Martin Lurthur. King. Jnr, Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Malcolm X, Barrack Obama, Koffie Anan, Steve Bantu Biko, the nation needs a leader that leads from the front of the march, not the back table, one that leads by example, and makes the people, the number one priority!
..An army of sheep lead by a lion, will always defeat an army of lions lead by a sheep.. .