ALI South Africa launched its first class in 2003. 10 Years later, we now have 8 classes and 150 Fellows.

Purpose

To convene, nurture and inspire a growing network of civic-minded, values-based leaders who are committed to the good society and are prepared to act to promote it.

Vision

To create and nurture a network of public-spirited and active leaders.

Values statement

ALI SA convenes, supports and inspires new generations of African leaders to step up from success to significance, in recognition of the central role that inspired, compassionate, ethical, courageous and public-spirited leaders must play in imagining and building the good society.

How do you join the ALI SA programme?

The selection criteria used by ALI SA is a combination of requirements of the Aspen Institute and SA legislation. These criteria have been fine-tuned over the last decade.  Each class comprises about 22 Fellows between the ages of 35—50 years who are already in senior leadership positions.  They should have influence within their spheres and have the freedom to act.  

60% of the class works in the private sector, 20% are in government and 20% represent civil society. We also look for variety within each of the sectors.  50% of the class is female and the majority represent previously disadvantaged South Africans.  Concerted effort is made to include Fellows from other parts of Africa.  We also look specifically for “grey hair” ie fellows who have extensive experience and knowledge in a particular area of leadership.  It takes months to achieve the desired balance. 

There is no application process to join ALI SA.  Fellows are nominated to join the next class by current Fellows in the network.  Potential Fellows may also submit their CV’s to the Executive Director of ALI SA if they do not know any of the current ALI Fellows.  CV’s may be sent to africaleadershipinitiative@hotmail.co.za .  A Selection Panel shortlists, interviews and selects Fellows based on the criteria above.  The ALI Board approves the final selection.

The next ALI SA class will be launched in 2014.  Nominations for this class will open in June 2013. 

ALI South Africa Board

Adrian Enthoven, Dele Olojede, Isaac Shongwe, Ralph Freese, Peter Reiling & Zohra Ebrahim

Bios of the ALI SA Board have been included in the pdf attached.