To Skhumbuzo Moodaley – Mpisane
Today, on International Men’s Day, we wanted to honour the kind of male leadership that deserves to be seen. The kind rooted in curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to see others grow. Leadership shaped by trust and respect has a way of transforming how a team shows up, and yours is exactly that.
One of the things we appreciate most about working with you is your curiosity. You never walk into a room acting like you have all the answers. Instead, you invite our ideas in, and you do it in a way that makes each of us feel heard and trusted. It pushes us to show up fully, to think boldly and to keep growing.
You lead with trust, giving us the freedom to take ownership of our work and learn through it. And woven into everything you do is a quiet thoughtfulness. The unexpected affirmations. The perfectly timed encouragement. The way you believe not only in the work but in the people doing it.
You’re an incredible leader, and part of that is your care, kindness and presence. And fine, we’ll admit this once. You are unintentionally funny. Do you plan your jokes and get a little too excited before telling them? Absolutely. Is it one of our favourite things about you? Also absolutely. You show up as yourself every time, and it’s refreshing.
We can confidently say there’s never a dull moment when you’re around. There’s always a story, a joke or a cycling adventure you can’t wait to share. And you listen just as attentively whenever we share with you.
You think strategically. You ask questions to understand rather than criticise. You hold space for other people’s ideas and truly consider them. You trust us with this programme because you trust our commitment, not just our skills. That kind of belief is rare, and it’s deeply felt.
And yes: you really are one of the gals.
Unlike International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day isn’t officially recognised by the United Nations. But in a country like South Africa, where violence has shaped the lives of far too many men and boys, it matters to honour those who choose a different path. Those who lead with gentleness, integrity and intention.
Who better to celebrate than our project lead?
Skhumbuzo, you are that guy. A man who leads with integrity, intelligence and humour. Who listens without limiting a conversation to any particular politics or philosophy. Who questions from a place of curiosity. Who laughs loudly at the exact moment you needed to remember joy. Who never lets you downplay yourself or anyone else. Who is committed to a vision of South Africa that thrives.
There are so many like you, your brothers and brothers in purpose, the unsung heroes we seldom celebrate.
It’s an honour and a joy to work with you.
