Educational Leadership for Transformation and Social Justice

‘At last a book that examines leadership from a completely new perspective as messy, conflicted, emotive, political, spiritual and ethical; in other words, leadership that at its core is a deeply human endeavour which is at once vulnerable and transformative, broken and just.

Too many books on the subject are neat-and-tidy accounts of six or seven steps to effective management or authentic leadership. The picture of leadership that emerges from these many popular and even academic texts present leaders is one of firm and decisive agents who are always clear, determined and precise in how they do their work.

These ground breaking case studies of real leaders on a deeply divided campus in a highly unequal country hold intellectual as well as practical significance for the problem of leadership, anywhere. Leadership, in such contexts, is as much about reparation as it is about reconciliation, about hurt as well as hope. This book must be required reading for those who lead, or study leadership, in difficult contexts.’

Jonathan Jansen, Vice Chancellor and Rector, University of the Free State, South Africa

‘The one thing which struck me most in this text about Educational Leadership is the challenge the seven University of the Free State leaders make to all of us to self-reflect. They come at it from different ideological perspectives but make clear how in conflict environments which operate on simplistic binary positions – particularly that of white versus black – one needs to be aware of the complex ways in which many of us are complicit in the production and reproduction of inequality. This book is not a manual for how leaders should lead but it insists that they should demonstrate deep educatedness – self-awareness – in everything that they do. In the current South African conjuncture of suspicion and animosity, I would like to suggest, this is the first requirement the leader must impose on him or herself.’

Crain Soudien, Chief Executive Officer, Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa

‘This book is a "must-read" for anyone interested in leadership for social justice in South Africa and other post-conflict societies. Its approach is not only unique, but totally engaging as it presents chapter long profiles of leaders whose personal stories are both compelling and inspiring. These profiles clearly demonstrate the contextual nature of social justice work, the personal toll it takes on those who practice it, and the deep commitments required to effect change. You will resonate deeply with their stories, perhaps even cry with them, celebrate their successes, and leave, more determined to effect change in your own context.’

Carolyn Shields, Professor, College of Education, Wayne State University, USA