Discovering the Spirit of Ubuntu Leadership

Priscilla Ndlovu is an Independent Consultant based in the United States

'This qualitative study gives Zimbabwean women in leadership positions an opportunity to narrate their stories reflecting on colonial and post-independence experiences in a largely patriarchal society. The research interrogates ways in which women can spearhead development despite facing many challenges, including in some cases being relegated to domestic chores and making babies. In this research, the Zimbabwean women redefine themselves by writing and telling their stories on how their personal experiences impacted their organizational leadership. The women narrate their colonial and post-independence experiences through interconnected concepts of servant leadership, Ubuntu, and motherhood. Traditionally in Africa, indigenous knowledge has been orally passed from generation to generation through folktales, storytelling, dance, music, allegory, rituals, paintings and spirituality practices but in this research Zimbabwean women have been given an opportunity to document their own indigenous knowledge. Results of this study can be applicable in most African societies, including those in which women face serious cultural barriers in occupying top leadership positions.' -Gibbs Dube, Journalist and Associate Producer, Ithemba & Music By Prudence "The study of women leaders in their cultural and contextual environments is way overdue. In this book, Dr. Mtungwa Ndlovu provides the reader with an opportunity to study and understand the Spirit of Ubuntu Leadership from the Zimbabwean women leaders' perspective. The volume provides knowledge about the spirit behind the success of African women leaders. This is a must-read book for those interested in understanding leadership in context." -Maggie Madimbo , Vice Chancellor African Bible College, Lilongwe, Malawi, Africa

• Foreword Preface Acknowledgements 1. Contextual and Conceptual Framework 2. Women and Leadership 3. Participants Portraits 4. Historicizing the Status of Women: Colonial to Present Day 5. Servant Leadership 6. Motherhood 7. Ubuntu 8. Spirited Ubuntu Leadership References About the Author Index