28th Time of the Writer Festival Hosts Conversations on Agency, Freedom, and Justice

The 28th Time of the Writer Festival sparked discussions on South African leadership, centred on Dr Reuel Khoza’s handbook, Agency, Freedom, and Justice.

In this book, he shares his strong views on the challenges facing the country, such as poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Khoza is a distinguished thought leader, businessman and president of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA).

An Africanist, public speaker, and advocate for transformation in the South African political economy, he is widely regarded as a role model for active citizenship and national development.

Khoza, known for his writings on leadership in books such as Let Africa Lead, Attuned Leadership, and The African Dream, shared that his first book, Ubuntu, was inspired by his companion. His travels and curiosity have provided him with thought-provoking insights.

Khoza described himself as an “accidental author”, stating that he is primarily an academic who became a writer by chance.

While his primary focus has been speechwriting, Khoza was encouraged by his companion to share his philosophy through a book. His passion for travel and his exploration of diverse cultures, ideas, and experiences inspired his writing.

Khoza’s remarkable social skills, emotional intelligence, and networking abilities have established him as a leading author. His book The Spirit of Leadership, rooted in African and Christian values, explores the belief in humanity and faith.

The book champions ancestral wisdom, modern leadership, ethical behaviour, and good governance in business. Its purpose is to uplift South Africa and the world by offering innovative solutions to break cycles of despair and drive meaningful change.

Khoza’s recent book, Agency, Freedom, and Justice, explores significant concerns and reflections on the complex systems of agency, freedom, and justice. It argues that the social sciences and humanities can greatly benefit from these insights – not by examining them solely through theoretical and ideological frameworks, but by experiencing them in real life.

Khoza emphasises the importance of working with knowledge systems, educating oneself, studying the subject, and collaborating with the necessary people for a beneficial finished product.

‘We had to study economics, work with people in politics and review policies, and not just rely on our minds to produce an informative book with authenticity. This included thought leaders in the health departments. Working with knowledge systems was essential for us, and educating ourselves was the only solution,’ he said.

This is presented in three volumes and it gives a deep understanding of the social, economic and political aspects of post-colonial life in South Africa and the demands for fundamental change.

Panellist David Mohale, whose master’s research is centred on local government in the KZN region, represented the office of the Vice-Chancellor at the Durban University of Technology. He highlighted the importance of working harder on the country’s development. He believes that the root issues primarily affect people at the local government level more than those in higher positions.

Expressing gratitude, Dr Ismail Mohamed, Director of the Centre for Creative Arts, said: ‘Khoza’s frank and reflective engagements at the Time of the Writer Festival were most welcome, particularly as South Africans critically examine leadership roles on both the national and international stage. His participation added real value to our festival.’

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photographs: Supplied