Book review: Blazing a trail, lessons for African leadership Lincoln Mali 

I have spent some time reflecting on Blazing a trail. All the times spent reflecting on Blazing a trail vary from the good, the bad and future prospects. There were moments where I was very emotional. Yes, books make me very emotional. Well, books penned by passionate individuals. I believe it because you encounter Bab Mali on every page. You don’t have to know him personally to encounter his passion and humility. I don’t know him personally but I have experienced him in Blazing a trail.  

I discovered uLawu a little over three years ago on LinkedIn. I was captured by his very strong profile and passion for leadership. From time to time, I would view his profile just to see his latest contributions in society. Everytime, I checked his profile it would make me feel very incompetent. However at the same time I felt very challenged by him to stay the cause of fighting for change. I guess what I am trying to say, the relationship I have with his profile is stable. 

It was until last year when my little sister asked me to help her review her essay to attend a conference he was part of. She didn’t mention that Bab Mali would be part of the summit. I was just excited that she wanted to be a part of the leadership conference. The long and short of this story is that she was selected to participate in the leadership summit. I was thrilled and when she got back home she presented me with Blazing a trail. Her words were, ‘’you just remind me of Lincoln hey’’. I took a deep breath and said thank you. Then she whispered ‘’read his book and then you will see why I say this’’. 

I read the cover and was immediately blown away. I then decided to prepare my mindset to read his book in 2025. 

Here we are today and I am  still in awe. Lincoln Mali is not only called into servanthood. He is the epitome of great leaders in Africa. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He embodies humility and humanity. He is blessed. He is a blessing to the world. He is a hero. A game change, destiny helper and champion. 

That said, when I preach the gospel of African literature and reading on my platform. It is because of storytellers like Lincoln Mali. We need to make it a priority to not only write our African stories. However, we need to read African stories to find remedies of our past injustices and create a better tomorrow. Before I even review Blazing a trail, please start by purchasing the book. You will not regret this purchase. In fact, if there is any  financial decision you make this year let Blazing a trail be part of your year. 

As with all reviews, I will highlight what part of the book resonated with me. For the rest, my hope is for you to read it.

My encounter with Blazing a trail;

• Never take success for granted 
• Connecting with individuals is a powerful intervention 
• Critical phase- engagement with staff 
• Be Accessible and approachable 
• Authenticity , openness and humility 

Never take success for granted 

It’s very disheartening to have to echo the sentiment that ‘’success is not guaranteed’’. I may not be able to prove it with statistical evidence but let me say life has a way of sharing its lessons. With the case of Bab Mali, there is something unmatched about him honoring every opportunity that is granted to him. 

He treats every opportunity as if he will never be granted one again. He shows up fully and ensures that his passion is on display. I believe what I admire most about him is, from being a Law graduate to becoming an versatile industry expert. This speaks volumes of him valuing every opportunity and never taking for granted where he is place. I guess what I am also trying to say is that don’t just be where you are. It is your responsibility to excel. 

Connecting with individuals is powerful intervention 

It is very essential that organisations foster diversity. Diversity in people is what enables an organisation to thrive. Having a leader that can connect with people across all walks of life is not only life changing however, very beneficial to the growth of the organisation. People are an asset in an organisation. One can only identify the value through building connections. It was very humbling to read that every African country that Bab Mali worked in, he not only connected with the teams regionally. He opened himself up to learning about the different cultures and heritage. That is how one makes meaningful and lasting connections. Leaders need to be humble enough to recognise differences. Be bold enough to connect. Be open-minded enough to encourage collaborations through connections.   

Critical phase- engaging with staff  

Engaging with staff is very essential for every organisation to thrive. When I read about how Bab Mali connected with his staff, I can only hope that emerging leaders do the same. What I am trying to say is, as a young person I’ve served in organisations where leaders hardly engaged with staff or knew staff on a first name basis. 

Not to make any comparisons, however I understand the pain of being excluded in an organisation because your designation is not high enough. Therefore, making your contribution invaluable and going unnoticed. This experience is still very widespread in the workplace. With the rise of micromanagement it becomes very difficult to have a voice or  become a change agent. The best remedy according to me is silence because it is not misquoted. However, I don’t encourage silence because it procreates isolation. 

However, what can be said about Bab Mali is his humility is seen even with the intricate details written by his colleagues, on how they faced difficulties in their personal lives. They felt his presence and support. 

Accessible and approachable 

We are meant to respect our leaders and not fear them. Bab Mali mastered the art of respect in organisations he has worked with. By virtue of his humility, he naturally commands respect. It is because he is humble enough to recognise and value people. He accepts people as they are. Before he is a leader, he acknowledges that he is human. That is why he is accessible and approachable. 

Authenticity, openness and humility 

We tend to take for granted that authenticity, openness and humility are not only a gateway to success. However to be a great leader you need these three ‘’authenticity, openness and humility’’. Bab Mali is authentic, open and humble. 

I would like to thank him for penning this insightful book. We are facing a very critical time on the African continent where we have lost all faith in our leaders. Lincoln Mali’s book is a reminder that there is still hope for Africa and the generation of upcoming leaders. 

This book I believe was written to restore and realign African leaders and remind them of the very minor principles we take for granted. The principle of humility, openness and authenticity in leadership makes a difference. I am blessed to have come across this amazing literature and can only hope that many will be touched by Bab Mali. Bab Mali you are indeed a trailblazer. 

After this book review, I can safely say that I am an online friend to Bab Mali. I hope to meet you one day. Send my regards to Sva and the kids. Never doubt that indeed you were called for such a time as this.

Makwande 

What a wholesome read.

Book 5 in 2025.

Phiwe Mncwabe is storyteller, blogger and voice in Africa.

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