Wits Business School recently launched its book Change Agents: Leadership Lessons from 23 of South Africa’s Senior Leaders.  A collection of personal leadership stories, the 23 “lessons” are based on a series of Leadership Dialogues hosted by the school between 2020 and 2024.

The first WBS Leadership Dialogue was held in August 2020 with the late Kimi Makwetu, Auditor-General of South Africa. This inspiring conversation provided the impetus for the rest of the series of dialogues which included leaders from academia, business, and public service.  Makwetu passed away two months after his interview with Prof Mills Soko, facilitator of the Dialogues, after a short illness.  The book is dedicated to his memory.

“We were intentional in our choice of leader; we wanted to capture the words of wisdom of those who have led with integrity, authenticity, and courage,” says Prof Soko, Director of Development and Partnerships at WBS.  “I am excited to have been able to record these precious conversations… which I believe will serve as an inspiration for future ethical leaders and changemakers – the kind of leaders that we, at WBS, strive to develop.” 

The other participants in the series of dialogues and subsequent book include:

Ralph Mupita, Nolitha Fakude, Ciko Thomas, Lesetja Kganyago, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi, Wendy Lucas-Bull, Priscillah Mabelane, Prof. Themba Maseko, Simon Susman, Dr Shirley Zinn, Lincoln Mali, Dominic Sewela, Edward Kieswetter, Natascha Viljoen, Robbie Brozin, Nonkululeko Gobodo, Dr Judy Dlamini, Arrie Rautenbach, Tshokolo Petrus (TP) Nchocho, Yolanda, Lillian Barnard, and Dr Mark Lamberti.

WBS celebrated the launch of the book on the 23^rd April 2026 with a dinner for special guests which included Priscillah Mabelane, chair of the WBS Advisory Board, who delivered a heartfelt keynote, and Dr Judy Dlamini, Chancellor Wits University and an alumnus of WBS. Prof Maurice Radebe, director of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management at Wits and former Head of School, moderated a stimulating panel discussion with Ms Nolitha Fakude, chair of Anglo American South Africa, Mr Lincoln Mali, founder and CEO of Lesaka Technologies, and Wendy Lucas-Bull, chair of Shoprite Holdings, all of whom contributed to the book. 

The launch was also attended by Miranda Makwetu, widow of the late Kimi Makwetu.

Change Agents: Leadership Lessons from 23 of South Africa’s Senior Leaders is available at selected Exclusive Books outlets at a recommended retail price of R280.