The AU stands at a critical juncture in its history. Never has there been such an urgent demand for visionary leadership to steer the continent to its rightful place globally amid the ongoing geopolitical shifts and other challenges. One key institution that is critical in helping to realise this ambition is the AU’s secretariat, the AU Commission, which is charged with implementing the union’s daily activities. Its leadership plays an important role in advancing the AU’s agenda.  Lerato Mbele was in conversation with Tendai Mbanje, project officer, Centre for Human Rights at University of Pretoria and Prof. William Gumede from the Wits School of Governance.