Page 75 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

DR PAUL KARIUKI

r Paul Kariuki is the executive director of the of their own transformation. He added, “The reason that are guided by mutual accountability, ensuring
Democracy Development Program which I do what I do is simple, I care deeply about our progress and enabling change in communities and
is based in Durban. Their work spans across nation, our society, and its future. Our democracy in the nation.
DSouth Africa and extends into the Southern must be defended. Upholding constitutionalism
and promoting active citizenship should be a way CARE AND CONNECTION
African Development Community (SADC) region,
of life.”
reaching about 16 countries through a variety of Speaking of the best advice he has ever received,
programs. “For me, democracy is not just about governance; Paul says that this came from a mentor who told him,
it’s a lived experience. It’s the daily actions we take ‘You don’t need a title to lead. Serve people, care
Paul’s story began in 2001 when he relocated from
Kenya, his home country, to South Africa to pursue together to overcome challenges and create a better for them, and they will willingly choose you to lead
postgraduate studies. Since then, he has had the future. Our democracy was hard-won, and it’s our them’. This advice has stayed with Paul and shaped
privilege of working in academia, with stints at the collective duty to ensure it thrives for generations how he approaches his role not just as a leader, but
universities of Natal, Pretoria and Stellenbosch, to come. There is hope in every citizen and there as someone committed to making a difference in
before returning to Durban. In 2013, he joined the is power in every citizen to change lives, and that’s people’s lives.”
Democracy Development Program as a program what makes wakes me up every day with hope,” Keeping his team motivated requires care and
manager, progressing to become the executive emphasises Paul. connection. Paul strives to understand his team’s
director, the second in the organisation’s 30-year COLLECTIVE EFFORT personal and professional worlds while coaching
history to hold this role. Paul explained, “Our focus and mentoring them to be mindful of why they
is on fostering democracy, governance, and active Commenting on his accomplishments Paul says, have dedicated themselves to this work. “I show
citizenship. We aim to empower citizens to hold “I’m most proud of seeing the influence of our them the tangible impact of their efforts, whether
leaders accountable, engage meaningfully in organisation. Mobilising citizens across different it’s empowering communities or influencing policy.
political discourse, and articulate their aspirations races, socio-economic backgrounds, and regions Our organisational values of empathy, honesty,
with confidence to help co-create a hopeful country.” to engage in political discourse and hold leaders accountability, and passion for transformative
accountable has been incredibly fulfilling. When change guide us. By focusing on the big picture of
Paul’s first job was as a youth assistant with the South citizens confidently voice their concerns, with a
African Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) heart full of service, and remain committed to doing co-creating a South Africa full of hope, I help my
in Durban. At the time, he was an undergraduate the right thing despite challenges, I see hope for our team stay energised and committed.”
student and felt a desire to volunteer at a youth-led nation. For me, that’s the essence of co-creating a He added, “My greatest inspiration comes from the
organisation. He recalls walking through the city one society full of possibility. It’s a collective effort where leaders I’ve worked with throughout my journey.
afternoon during a university break and seeing a flyer every sector and individual plays a role.” One of my mentors said, ‘As you rise, lift others.’
for the YMCA. He explained, “Something told me to This wisdom keeps me grounded and focused on
walk in. I spoke to the CEO and offered to volunteer my His role is not without significant challenges the larger picture. It’s not about me; it’s about the
skills, primarily research and writing at the time. To my especially when having to translate complex ideas communities we serve and the legacy we leave for
surprise, he asked me to start the following Monday. like democracy into actionable concepts that the next generation.”
I began as a receptionist, despite my ambitions. But I resonate with citizens. “For many, democracy feels
gladly accepted the role because I wanted to immerse intangible, I often hear questions like, ‘Can I eat Paul’s vision is for a thriving KwaZulu-Natal, a province
myself in society and explore the challenges inner city democracy? Will it send my children to school?” he where citizens actively engage in shaping their future
youth faced. Working there gave me the opportunity to explains. and where opportunities are created for everyone.
explore how theoretical knowledge from my university He says, “Over the next five years, I see transform-
lectures, particularly in development studies and Paul expanded that his response is usually that ative partnerships across sectors driving meaningful
economic policy, translated to real-world solutions.” democracy is a lived experience, it’s what we do daily change. By fostering dialogue, encouraging account-
Paul served the YMCA for seven years, steadily growing together. He added, “Our program’s work involves ability, and co-creating solutions, I envision a
in roles while completing postgraduate studies. keeping these conversations alive, encouraging province that’s prosperous, hopeful, and a model of
accountability, and helping citizens understand the what South Africa can achieve.”
Reflecting on his career Paul said that a philosophy power they have to take action to transform their
that stuck with him early on was, ‘Don’t do anything own environments. This is an ongoing challenge In conclusion Paul says, “My motto is ‘Leadership
about us, without us’. This philosophy taught him because our society is dynamic.” Significantly, is about serving others, not oneself’. That principle
that true change comes when communities are part transformation happens when talks lead to actions guides everything I do.”
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