By: Kgomotso Lebele - Country Managing Director, Accenture South Africa

Kgomotso Lebele, Country Managing Director for Accenture in South Africa, believes progress is built on resilience, not only on constant reinvention, at leadership level. In this piece, he explores why consistency – the kind that enables organisations to build trust, deepen relationships, and sustain momentum – is essential for transformation. In a market where change is both urgent and complex, continuity remains the caveat rarely discussed, yet it is the one that matters most.

The cost of short cycles

South Africans are no strangers to instability. Some major public and private organisations have experienced rapid leadership turnover over the past two decades, with each change coinciding with operational setbacks and governance strain. Such frequent transitions are clear signals of systemic fragility. High leadership turnover erodes trust, disrupts economic recovery, and ultimately forces organisations into survival mode rather than enabling progressive transformation.

Stability is gaining renewed prominence in the private sector. Industry data reveals an upward trend in CEO tenure among the country’s leading companies, highlighting a shift toward valuing sustained leadership as a key driver of organisational performance.

Laying the foundation for lasting change

Transformation is a long game played with decisions that amplify over time. Policy uncertainty, constant strain on infrastructure, growing social inequality, and geopolitical strain are just some of the hurdles that leaders are up against, proving that more than technical skill, they need time. Time to embed frameworks that last longer than headlines, to align emerging technology with human capability, and turn lip service into service delivery.

Accenture research tells us that only about 30% of large-scale transformation efforts achieve their intended outcomes. One of the strongest predictors of success? Consistent leadership alignment. In our country, where transformation agendas too often get lost to short-term gains, leadership continuity means the difference between incremental change and systemic impact.

Trust, consistency and the power to transform

Continuity builds trust, and trust is the driver of transformation. Clients who believe that leadership will not change with every market shock invest deeper. Employees who believe there's a steady hand at the helm commit to the long haul. These are not abstract ideals. Trust directly translates into resilience when crisis hits and it’s time for bold moves.

Some of our country’s greatest turnaround stories are case in point. Despite fluctuating metal prices and an unpredictable global economic outlook, one of the platinum group metals miners remains profitable, reporting revenue of R32.9 billion — a 6.9% increase from the previous year. The multinational bank and financial services group delivered headline earnings of R45 billion and a return on equity of 18.5%, reflecting the depth of its diversified portfolio and its continued focus on creating value for stakeholders. These wins are not accidents; they are the proof points of leadership continuity, real-world examples of decision-makers who stayed, steered, and executed through the turbulence.

Leading past survival

We need to let go of the notion that leadership continuity is about avoiding change. In fact, it is precisely what enables the right kind of change. Without it, there will be no reinvention of any kind. No investment in innovation, no inclusivity and diversity in talent pipelines, no shaping industries that are fit for the future. Just more cycles of reactive stagnation.

We are a resilient, growing nation, but our country’s transformation agenda is crying out for leadership that sticks around. Yes, the economy is growing, but we can do more than 0.6%. We owe our youth better than a 46% unemployment rate. And together we can rise to meet the estimated R2 trillion needed for infrastructure upgrades in 2030. What we can’t do is tackle any of these challenges without leaders who are in it for the long haul.

A different ending: shifting the lens to accountability and courage

At Accenture, we believe that true transformation is built on more than innovative strategies or technological investment – it requires leaders who are committed to staying the course. Leadership continuity is not about resisting change; it is about having the presence, accountability, and courage to guide organisations through complexity, build trust, and turn long-term vision into lasting impact.

By prioritising consistent leadership, organisations can move beyond reactive cycles, embed meaningful frameworks, and create sustainable growth that benefits employees, stakeholders, and the nation as a whole. In today’s dynamic environment, continuity is the differentiator between incremental adjustments and transformative outcomes, and we urge leaders to recognise its value and act accordingly.