Collaborative leadership has been at the heart of our work in South Africa. The Accountability Lab South Africa (ALSA) team has worked hard on improving service delivery challenges through Action4Accountability – a Civic Action Teams project – as well as launching the very first amapiano conscious music album.

Interim Country Director Sadia Khan explains that they have relied on particular values like transparency, practicality and collaboration to make sure all the different parts of the work are supported. “It’s about being true to yourself and taking responsibility for your actions,” she says. This philosophy is also evident in ALSA’s diverse projects, which emphasize teamwork, training, and proactive social justice.

Leadership built on trust 

Sadia’s leadership is characterized by collaboration and trust. She prioritizes creating an environment where her team can thrive by leveraging their strengths and contributing effectively. “I believe in letting people do their work and focusing on their strengths,” Sadia explains. “When you trust your team and give them the space to grow, you create a culture of ownership and accountability.” This approach has fostered a respectful and cooperative atmosphere within ALSA, where each team member plays a critical role in achieving their collective goals.

Her inclusive leadership style bridges generational gaps within the team, cultivating a harmonious and productive environment that thrives on collective effort. “We have team members from various generations, each bringing unique perspectives and skills,” Sadia notes. “By embracing these differences and working together, we’ve built a strong and resilient team.”

Sadia brings a wealth of experience to her role, having spent much of her career in the banking sector. Her background in finance equipped her with a strong foundation in strategic planning, risk management, and organizational leadership. After retiring from banking, she chose to apply her expertise to social good by joining ALSA. 

Key achievements

The impact of good leadership is evident in ALSA’s key programmes which emphasise collaboration and community engagement. The Action for Accountability (A4A) project, in partnership with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, the Public Service Accountability Monitor, and co-funded by the European Union, has relied on deep community advocacy and digital activism. This programme is driven by 40 CivActs and Activist Media fellows, and has engaged over 1,000 community members on governance and transparency. “The success of A4A is a testament to the power of community-driven advocacy,” Sadia reflects. “We’ve seen real change in how communities interact with local governments.”

Meanwhile, the What’s on the Menu Mzansi Project focuses on raising awareness about the political needs of young people in each province. The team criss-crossed South Africa, canvassing young people on a menu of commitments for political participation. “This project is crucial in equipping citizens with the knowledge they need to hold leaders accountable,” Sadia explains. “The more informed our communities are, the stronger our democracy becomes.”

Commitment to community-based impact

The Activist Media Incubator (AMI) trained eight fellows in multimedia content creation and citizen journalism, producing over 20 pieces of content that reached approximately 75,000 people. “The Activist Media Incubator is about giving people the tools to tell their own stories,” Sadia notes. “The content produced by our fellows has had a significant impact on the communities they serve, raising awareness and driving change.”

Similarly, the Queer Voices Unlocked Project, which trained ten artists in multimedia storytelling, reached over 50,000 viewers and increased social media engagement by 40%. “Queer Voices Unlocked is more than just a project; it’s a movement to ensure that all voices are heard,” Sadia explains. “By supporting diverse voices, we’re not only fostering inclusivity but also enriching the narrative of what it means to be South African.”

The Voice2Rep music Campaign used music to address social justice issues, training five young musicians and releasing a five-track EP titled ‘What’s on the Menu, Mzansi?’ (listen on Apple or Spotify).

As Sadia and her team look to the future, they see ALSA continuing to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. “This is not just a job; it’s about making a difference and leaving a legacy.”

Naseera Noor-Mahomed