This paper analyses the effectiveness of leadership as depicted in the film ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’. He is also a determined character who lives to achieve the objective of delivering South Africa from apartheid. Steered by Justin Chadwick, the movie, ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, Nelson Mandela, as played by Idris Elba, depicts various leadership traits among them being his transformational leadership aspects and ability to influence and guide his followers/group members. While leading, followers or group members must be involved. This claim means that leadership incorporates followers and leaders in an attempt to influence and/or achieve societal objectives and missions (Lussier & Achua, 2004). As a practice, it influences not only followers, but also leaders in a manner that ensures the attainment of societal objectives through change. Leadership inspires followers to work collectively towards the achievement of specific goals, aims, and objectives. It is crucial for the success of any nation (Atchison, 2003 Dye, 2010). Leadership is essential at all levels of society. Linking this model to leadership theories, the paper concludes that Nelson Mandela was an effective leader to the extent that he possessed many of the leadership traits, skills, and capabilities, which leadership theorists describe as constituting an effective leader. The model depicts leadership effectiveness as a function of the internal and external environment, group membership characteristics, and leader’s behaviour, styles, and characteristics. It uses the DuBrin (2013) model for analysis to achieve this objective. The current paper analyses the effectiveness of leadership with reference to Nelson Mandela, the late former president of South Africa, as depicted in the movie, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Considering this importance, it is critical for all organisations and societies to develop effective leadership. It also influences organisational and societal objectives and missions. Leadership integrates and intertwines followers and leaders.

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