Mr De Klerk spoke about the macro-change lessons that could be derived from South Africa’s transformation process as well as how top leaders can be brought to make the ‘unimaginable leap’ towards reconciliation in apparently intractable situations. The Members experienced a passionate, committed speaker who in summing up the need for leaders at all levels to have courage to do the right thing offered a depth that came from rich experience.

The discussion period was extremely lively as the Members challenged and probed Mr De Klerk’s views on a wide range of topics, but focused very much on his experience as a strategic leader. Many were struck by his view that the opportunity for change, for taking the ‘unimaginable leap’, was often a small window of opportunity and required a leader to be brave. In summing up the address, the RCDS Commandant Charles Style echoed Mr De Klerk’s point that “to know the answer isn’t the point; to deliver it is.”