Question 10
Examine The Leader and the Led as a criticism of leadership in Africa
This was a popular question. Some candidates provided sketchy responses that lack textual references. Attention was not paid to the statement of the themes.
Candidates are expected to discuss the following:
- Identify the central theme of good leadership and the attributes required to hold it in Africa.
- Profile of the characters of each of the animals and certain attributes which they think qualify for leadership
- The claim to the right to lead by the different animals: the lion, the hyena, the giraffe, the zebra, the elephant, the warthog, the rhino
- The consequence of lack of good leadership: “The pack” is unsettled as it “thrashes around” calling attention to the fact that without a leader, they are like “a snake without a head.” This shows lack of direction
- The desirable leadership qualities: the Forest Sage, who represents the voice of wisdom and experience, – declares to others: “our need calls for a hybrid of habits”, that is, a healthy balance of attributes.
Candidates’ performance was commendable.