Last week former Telkom CEO Sizwe Nxasana won the Unisa School of Business Leadership`s 2005 Leadership in Practice award.
According to Prof Hellicy Ngambi, Unisa School of Business Leadership (SBL) interim CEO, the award aimed to "recognise and pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of Sizwe Nxasana as a transformational business leader".
Ngambi says the SBL acknowledges Nxasana`s single-minded determination to reposition Telkom and make it into an integrated communications group with a sound market and profit orientation.
Ngambi also commended Nxasana for "his passion for teamwork, determination to achieve performance excellence and pursuit of sound governance that has shown him to be a true leader in his industry".
In his acceptance speech, Nxasana shared his thoughts on what makes an effective leader and how that knowledge can be used to create a successful organisation.
"To lead is a privilege, and it is one that must be earned, although it can also be thrust upon you and sometimes a leader can be reluctant but still great," he said.
Nxasana added that while a leader must be well informed, he did not initially have a great deal of knowledge of the telecommunications industry. To bridge the gap, he spent much time reading about international best practice as well as talking and listening to various experts.
Nxasana`s term with Telkom ends on 31 December and he assumes his post as CEO of FirstRand Bank on 1 January.
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Nxasana to head FirstRand Bank
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