Lessons From Mandela and Tutu - Paul van Zyl

Paul van Zyl first came to prominence in the 1990s as part of the team supporting South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, working alongside figures such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The Commission focused on uncovering the truth about apartheid-era crimes, offering a model that prioritised truth-telling and accountability alongside the possibility of amnesty.Following this, Paul co-founded the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), where he served as Executive Vice President. Through ICTJ, he worked with governments, civil society groups, and international bodies in countries including Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, and Afghanistan—supporting efforts to address past abuses through mechanisms such as truth commissions, reparations programmes, and institutional reform.He later moved into the private sector as a co-founder of Vérité, focusing on human rights within global supply chains. In that role, he worked with major multinational companies, NGOs, and institutions to tackle issues such as forced labour and worker exploitation.Today, Paul is co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, a members’ platform designed to bring together leaders across business, policy, activism, and philanthropy to tackle global challenges. The Conduit blends elements of a private members’ club, an ideas forum, and an impact network, hosting events, partnerships, and initiatives focused on issues like climate, inequality, and economic inclusion.This conversation was a fascinating exploration of leadership as a force for good, how leadership can unite even in the most fractured of societies, and a salient reminder of what is - and still can be - possible.