Leadership from the Heart: Transforming Municipal Cultures for Ethical Growth

Dr. Harlan Cloete, Chairman and Founder of Radio KC 107.7FM, asserts that effective leadership is foundational, critiquing the politicised, hierarchical "yes/no" mental model in municipalities that stifles growth.

Drawing from his teaching experience, he contrasts authoritarian control - which breeds resentment - with compassionate leadership that builds trust through care, fostering institutional progress.

He calls for overhauling organisational cultures: addressing lax work ethics (late arrivals, minimal effort), blocking learning environments, superficial community participation (mere compliance over genuine engagement), and politicised dynamics that undermine ethics.

Emphasising courageous conversations and conviction, Cloete stresses that the tone is set at the top; his research on two clean-audit municipalities reveals that compassionate, mistake-tolerant leadership creates joyful workplaces, unlike rigid militaristic styles.

* Clip from Future Cities Africa 'Local Government Conversations' webinar: Leaders of Change - Igniting Ethical Governance in our Communities.