​Celebrating a life legacy

When I reviewed the definition of the word ‘legacy’ in the dictionary it was described as: “a gift or an inheritance that is handed down, endowed or conveyed from one person to another”. It is something descendible one comes into possession of, inherits or receives from a predecessor. What stands out for me is the fact that it is not necessarily desirable, practical or noteworthy. The word legacy does not indicate whether it is positive or negative – rather it is in the difference that is made wherein the true value is realised.

I don’t believe anyone sets out in life to leave a legacy. There is a unique set of circumstances that drives individuals to take charge and become a gamechanger, a difference–maker. Nelson Mandela left such a legacy and today, years later, we still reap the benefits of his sacrifices and humility.

Faced with the question of who I would like to have dinner with and why, I have often answered “Nelson Mandela”, as I would love to understand what the driving forces were in his life that propelled him to be so forgiving, humble and altruistic. Like Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr, reconciliation, respect for diversity and the importance of justice, equality and democracy are but a few critical aspects of being human that have inspired generations. They provided examples and blueprints – we just need to be willing to serve others.

In our business, we have strived every day for almost 10 years of our existence to make a difference. This philosophy is part of the foundational framework of Omni, applied to the communities in which staff, suppliers, learners and clients are based. It surprises me how many leaders don’t spend enough time thinking about legacy; what they will leave behind for the organisation and the people they serve – and make decisions today for future sustainability.

I am grateful for Madiba’s legacy that will have a sustainable impact on our futures.

​Lize Moldenhauer​
​Chief Executive Officer, Omni HR Consulting

​When one reflects on all the lessons learned from Nelson Mandela, so many stand out. For me, Mandela offered a vision of democratic unity that stood in sharp contrast to the violently enforced racism of apartheid. In the Mandela spirit, the “spoils of victory” were not celebrated by exclusion but by inclusion.

When the ANC polled 62.6% of the national vote – disappointed because they were slightly short of the two-thirds majority they needed to push the final Constitution through without the support from the National Assembly – Nelson Mandela was not one of those who was disappointed. In fact, he said that he was relieved as he felt that if the ANC had been able to write the Constitution unfettered by input from others, people would argue that they created an ANC constitution, not a South African constitution. Nelson Mandela wanted a true Government of National Unity.

At Omni HR Consulting, the principle of unity is one of 12 foundation principles that govern our behavior and we aspire, by the grace of God, to live and function together in peaceful and harmonious cooperation.

As a leader, I aspire to adapt to this example he set – to care for and respect one another and build a culture that reflects our shared values and the principle of unity in diversity. This notion is reflected in the words inscribed on our country’s coat of arms: “!ke e: /xarra //ke”, which calls on diverse people to unite.

The message Mandela communicated was clear: every action taken in pursuit of human oneness and freedom matters – that South Africans should unite − and as an organisation we proudly join the rest of South Africa in the pursuit of this unity.

​Dear Tata Madiba,

In sitting down to write this tribute letter, I am faced with reflecting on my own life’s’ journey. Whenever I reached a turning point, I knew that whichever decision I would make would alter the course of my life.
 
Nearly ten years ago when faced with a major decision to “build something for future generations” I was challenged by the thought and to be honest slightly overwhelmed. What did it mean to leave a legacy? Did it mean that I needed to be more conscious and mindful that my decisions and actions would have an impact, on not only me but those that would come after me? That is a huge responsibility for anyone to bear! What I quickly realised at that point is the responsibility was beyond me; Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope”.  I held onto this scripture, knowing the people who surrounded me, four unique, different and special women were part of a greater plan and together we would build something great.

It amazes me still today that we built our business from the ground up in an ethical manner, facing many hardships and challenges along the way. One thing we share and have in common with you is our heart for people, and that is what has kept me going. It was no longer about me. It was about the people; my family, my colleagues, our employees, our clients and the learners in our classrooms all of whom deserve my best.

You were persecuted yet stood and fought for equality and fairness. Those two principles transcend beyond your life.  It is now my inheritance.

​Dear Madiba

On 11 February 1990, I was sitting in my pyjamas in front of the TV joining the rest of the world in witnessing a moment of sheer magic. “I wish I was part of the crowd at City Hall,” was my thought.

Thank you, Madiba, for helping us to live by the motto: “You may forgive, however you don’t have to forget”. Thank you for your choice to take a non-militant approach to reconciliation showing that violence is not always the resolution to our problems. “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

As Omni leaders, our intent is to create followers and a legacy for the future. Forgiveness, courage, strength, determination, reconciliation and compassion are some of the behaviours that describe you as a great leader; one who was earmarked by his elders and who made a difference from generation to generation. A leader who provided an opportunity for us to build a diverse organisation represented across gender, race and religion, providing us with an opportunity to engage across sectors and to make a difference through life-long learning.

Our aim is to continue to make a difference in the communities we serve, and through learning and development we will improve the skills of our people, providing them with the necessary knowledge, tools and attitude to build a better future.

​Sharon Benting​
​Resource Executive, Omni HR Consulting

​Leaving a legacy is often associated with the end, instead of the beginning. But I would argue that our legacy is the total of the building blocks we accumulate and contribute to the world in which we live. The impact of our leadership is defined by our actions, the decisions we take, how we make others feel and the impact we have on their lives.

Nelson Mandela left behind a legacy that was built over decades. Thankfully, he taught us many lessons to carry with us. His lessons encourage us to persevere and never give up when it comes to what we believe in. When we fail or have moments where our challenges feel insurmountable, he taught us that failure builds character, makes us who we are today and that nothing is impossible.

As a learning organisation, we stand by his words, “Knowledge is power”, and believe in making a difference through education, training and development. We also learnt from Mandela’s strength. As a business that started with five independent, bold and charismatic women, it was not always going to be easy.

As Omni HR Consulting approaches its 10-year anniversary, we reflect upon our own legacy. What will we be remembered for? If legacy is about being memorable, then what do we need to do to be memorable during the next 10 years?

​Cindy Londt​
​Operations Executive, Omni HR Consulting