Leadership Development of Zulu Male Youth in a South African Township

Abstract

Amidst a history of colonialism, apartheid, and constant social, economic, and political uncertainty, the children and youth of South Africa are demonstrating a trajectory of thriving that gives evidence to their capacity for substantial growth in all areas of development. The present chapter reviews the empirical evidence on Positive Youth Development (PYD) as an active process in the lives of South African children and youth, with a particular focus on the ecological and cultural forces that can shape leadership in general, and male youth leadership in particular. Specifically, the chapter provides a brief history of South Africa and the apartheid, a discussion of how youth leadership is influenced by context and culture, and the application of these critical constructs to the development of youth leadership in a sample of South African male youth. The study engaged with eight young men (M = 19.0 years) who participated in a year-long mentoring program that involved learning new skills/concepts and having opportunities to practice and apply these skills. The findings of the program highlight how successful leadership development is undergirded by the belief that youth have a choice or a sense of control over their own lives that allowed them to see that they could be leaders. The chapter conclusions focus on how an ecological, systems approach to youth leadership development via relationship with the community and mentors is critical to leadership programming, as is having choices, access to education, and developing communities as priorities for developing future leaders.