Season 1
The goal of the One Day Leader project is to identify and develop young dynamic leaders of tomorrow. The show also focuses the public's attention on critical social and economic issues facing our nation.
One Day Leader aims to encourage young and bright minds to come up with innovative ways of addressing issues, while exposing them to the kinds of challenges and difficulties leaders are faced with.
In November 2010, an SABC1 call to action for the best young leaders in South Africa between the ages of 18 and 25 years saw a response of over 3,000 entries. Then began the demanding task of selecting the best 200.
The selection team took a look at what the top 200 candidates could offer viewers. The team focused on leadership qualities and experience that clearly showed in the achievements of each of the first round candidates.
In a second round, the same criteria were applied and this time the top 20 candidates were selected. During the process some individuals stood out on the grounds of their achievements and their vision as leaders.
These 20 candidates were called into studio to debate on the different issues affecting South Africa in general. They were filmed to test their talent and ability to cope with the requirements of a live television show.
This process was able to bring their various personalities to the fore: the passion, the hunger and the drive.
From the 20 second round candidates, the selection team next selected the top 8 and the focus was on: who stands out?
As the series moves away from a political focus, and rather educating about leadership skills, the panel was not necessarily looking for the participant's political knowledge, but rather the ones who were aware of their surroundings and the issues that affect them and their fellow youth, and on their ability to make a change for the better.
The top 8 were called into a three-day workshop to get to know their personalities in depth and to make the final decision based on the question: what makes a good leader?
It all boiled down to the six pillars of leadership:
Willingness – that which will not allow me to merge into the crowd
Vision – the convictions about life and what I stand for
Attitude – my morals, values and outlook on life
Influence – the way I communicate my vision to my followers
Action – how I act on my vision without making empty promises
Accountability – I am responsible and able to answer for everything I do
The six contestants chosen were Ayanda Bandla, Lesley Mosiamimang, Johan du Pisanie, Sebenzile Nkambule, Vanencia Vollenhoven and Zwelethu Kos. The season was won by Lesley.
The winner of the series receives the opportunity to effect change and gain experience in positions of leadership as an internship in the offices of the chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency and the Presidency.
The series is hosted by Masechaba Lekalake. The first season was won by Lesley Masibi.