In Search of the Heart of Ubuntu
In Search of the Heart of Ubuntu
📍 Cape Town & Western Cape area (South Africa)
📅 November 2026 TBC
🎟️ €3.595,-
Leadership & Ubuntu Study Trip – South Africa
This study trip to South Africa is both an inner and outer journey, where participants are inspired by the country’s history, culture, and people. Visits to locations such as the Langa township, Robben Island, and the University of the Western Cape provide insights into Ubuntu, community building, and leadership especially that of Nelson Mandela.
The trip focuses on leadership development within the “New Normal” of hybrid work, where connection and engagement are essential. This journey is rooted in three central themes: confrontation, inspiration, and reconciliation. Through reflection, encounters, exercises, and conversations, participants explore how they as leaders can contribute to creating a (work) community where everyone is seen and valued.
Themes such as vulnerability, uniqueness, and cultural elements (like the national rugby team the Springboks) are connected to leadership challenges. The program includes four study sessions, multiple excursions, and structured reflections with a goal of long-lasting personal and professional growth.
Structure & Context
We embark on an adventure literally and mentally. You’ll be guided to the roots of Ubuntu and the complex history of South Africa.
During this one-week study trip, we’ll draw inspiration from the people of South Africa and reflect on our own roles as leaders.
We’ll meet the people of Langa, a township near Cape Town, and learn how they build a community of hope. On Robben Island, we’ll be guided by a former prisoner and learn how Nelson Mandela drew strength from Ubuntu.
We’ll engage with a Black female leader from a company based in the Cape, gaining insights into business practices in an African context. We’ll visit the church of Mbwekeni, where Christianity and African spirituality meet.
We’ll talk with students from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) about their vision for the future of South Africa.
Objectives & Content
The current era marked by digitization and the aftermath of COVID has reduced meaningful face-to-face encounters, ultimately risking disconnection and disengagement.
Yet almost every leadership theory agrees: true commitment starts with connection professionally and communally. This connection moves people from reactivity to proactivity and genuine involvement.
This journey is about strengthening your leadership qualities. It invites you to shape your development within your own context, using South Africa as a mirror and source of inspiration.
We approach this using three concepts:
Confrontation
Inspiration
Reconciliation
How can you build a (work) community where Desmond Tutu’s words come to life:
“I need you to be you, so that I can be me.”
What kind of leadership is needed to shape such a community especially in the light of the New Normal, where employees often work from home three days a week?
“It takes a village to raise a child: it takes a community to develop an employee”
As a leader, what must you do to help your people fully use their strengths for the benefit of both themselves and for your organization?
What role do your vulnerability, greatness, uniqueness, and approachability play in this?
(Referencing Marianne Williamson’s quote from Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.)
During the anti-apartheid struggle, South Africa’s national rugby team the Springboks was used intentionally to unify the nation.
What of your own cultural elements can help you shape the shared culture within your organisation?
What can we learn from the townships, reflecting both poverty and entrepreneurship?
The Trip Includes
4 Study sessions
Reflections and exercises
1 Wine tasting
Meaningful and relaxing excursions
A journey full of inspiration and joy shared alongside fellow travellers who can continue to support each other after returning home, bringing the lessons to life in everyday (work) environments.
Program Overview
Day 1
10:00 Departure from Schiphol (Amsterdam) Evening arrival in Cape Town (21:20), transfer to hotel
Day 2
Visit to the church of Mbwekeni Hike in Paarl Rock National Nature Park Group dinner
Day 3
Visit to Robben Island: lessons on isolation and greatness Lunch at the Waterfront Free time: explore the Waterfront, Fort, or Simon's Town & penguins Group Braai (South African BBQ)
Day 4
Project visit in Langa Township, guided by Mike Zuma The future of South Africa from a community perspective Evening a Group Braai
Day 5
Workshop at University of the Western Cape (UWC) Dialogue with students about the meaning of Ubuntu. Free time options: visit Camps Bay, hike Table Mountain, or go to Muizenberg surf beach. Dinner and evening at leisure
Day 6
Visit Mandela’s last prison (Franschhoek/Paarl). Wine tour in Franschhoek. Dinner at Grande Provence Wine Estate
Day 7
Time to pack and relax. Dialogue with Kobus Opperman. Farewell dinner at Grendel Wine Estate, with Kobus Opperman, Wouter (UWC), . 23:00 Departure from Cape Town
Day 8
10:45 Arrival at Schiphol (Amsterdam)