” Of all the things that sustain a leader over time, love is the most lasting. The best-kept secret of successful leaders is love. Staying in love with leading, with the people who do the work, with the mission of the organisation, and with those who honour the organisation by using its work.” – James Kouzes and Barry Posner.
The late Mr. Mussa Albert Chiwaula, former director general of Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD), who passed away in October 2024, exemplified how love sustains transformative leadership. Throughout his professional life, he remained deeply in love with his mission of advancing disability rights, the dedicated teams who brought this vision to life, and the communities who benefited from SAFOD’s work. His leadership was powered by an unwavering love for the cause of disability inclusion and the people he served. Indeed, his decades of service demonstrated how staying passionate about one’s mission – that steadfast love for the work and its impact – can create lasting change in countless lives and communities.
At the country level, Mr. Chiwaula was a founding member of the Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA) and served as its first executive director for 14 years. He represented the disability sector at the First Constitutional Review Conference during Malawi’ s transition from a one-party to a multiparty system of government and was invited by the State President to represent the voices of persons with disabilities in the development of Malawi’ s Vision 2020. Furthermore, he was appointed to chair the task force that spearheaded the development of the National Policy on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Malawi, and he was at the forefront in successfully lobbying and advocating for the enactment of the Disability Act. At the subregional level, Mr Chiwaula was a visionary leader for SAFOD for 10 years. He led his team with integrity, set exacting standards, and demonstrated compassion and support. He was a true reflection of servant leadership, inspiring others and bringing out the best of their potential. His leadership was key in shaping and influencing the disability movement even further to the continental level and beyond. His passion for protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities was demonstrated by his participation in different human rights structures and forums. For instance, he was a valuable member of the AT Scale Global Partnership for Assistive Technology.
He transformed SAFOD into the strong regional advocacy organisation it is today. His vision inspired his team and SAFOD’s member organisations across Southern Africa. He was a compassionate leader who cared deeply for the communities he served. He believed in collaboration and inclusivity, uplifting marginalised voices with humility and warmth. He formed strategic partnerships within Africa and beyond. These partnerships include: The Norwegian Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (FFO) Christian Blind Mission, UNICEF, Google, Loughborough University, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, and the African Disability Forum, to name a few. His passing is a tremendous loss to SAFOD, the disability community, and the broader human rights movement. His spirit will continue to inspire the work of SAFOD and the ongoing fight for disability rights and unlocking an inclusive society. Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people, and his will lives on forever.
Continue to rest in power, Mussa! You have fought a noble fight, finished your course, and kept your faith in the cause.”