Transformational leadership and collaboration needed now more than ever - Ngcetane-Vika

Reimagining leadership from an African perspective is key and African stories about women and values must assert their rightful place in shaping the global order, said Dr Thelela Ngcetane-Vika, respected academic and advocate for women's leadership during her presentation at a side event at the 69th Commission for the Status of Women (CSW69) – International Women in Leadership Summit in New York, USA.

The summit commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a pivotal global framework for advancing gender equality.

Ngcetane-Vika challenged traditional Western-centric approaches to leadership, advocating for values that resonate with Africa's unique cultural context.

On 14 March 2025, during a panel discussion titled "Empowering African Women: A Pathway to Achieving the UN 2030 SDGs and AU Agenda 2063", hosted by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ngcetane-Vika delivered an inspiring address where she emphasised the critical importance of transformational leadership and collaboration among women in achieving progress toward gender equality and sustainable development goals.

Ngcetane-Vika was invited to the summit by Africa for African Women, an organisation championing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and amplifying the voices of African women on global platforms. She underscored the need to develop the next generation of African women leaders through education, training, and empowerment.

“As Africans, we have an added responsibility because this phenomenon of leadership is based on Western principles and frameworks. Sometimes, there is a misfit between what we understand about leadership and that which resonates with who we truly are,” she added.

A move away from transactional leadership, which Ngcetane-Vika noted is prevalent globally requires a shift toward transformational and collaborative leadership models that build bridges and encompasses intergenerational values.

CSW69: Reflecting on progress and opportunities

As the CSW69 Summit celebrated three decades of the Beijing Declaration (1995–2025), it also provided an opportunity to address persistent global challenges, including gender-based violence, unequal access to education and healthcare, and underrepresentation in decision-making roles. 

Ngcetane-Vika called for significant investments in women and girls, particularly in education, vocational training, and STEM fields. She highlighted the need for gender-responsive policies, greater access to resources for women entrepreneurs, and robust measures against gender-based violence.

“Empowering women is not just an ethical imperative—it’s a pathway to stronger, more resilient communities and inclusive economic growth,” she said.

During her presentation, she also advocated for the strengthening of women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Ngcetane-Vika's participation at CSW69 reflects the Wits School of Governance’s dedication to advancing gender equality through education, advocacy, and leadership development. By championing transformational leadership, WSG continues to shape leaders who will drive meaningful change.

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