Student Leaders at the recent BOLD Student Summit.BOLD(ening) the Student Voice
The disconnect between students and the University and the valuable role various student bodies can play to restore a culture of involvement, was a key issue that arose at a recent student leadership summit.
The Business Organisational and Leadership Development (BOLD) Student Leadership Summit at the UNITE building on the Howard College campus, drew 20 student leaders, representing about 15 student organisations including SRCs, faith-based organisations and industry-student chapters.
Facilitated by BCom student, Ms Mmathapelo Motaung, the opening discussion criticised the prevailing culture of student apathy at UKZN. Mr Sithembile Buthelezi, a member of the SRC and Amnesty International, bemoaned the ‘individualistic and demobilised student body at the University’.
There were many suggestions on how to mobilise students, ranging from smarter use of social media, creation of more productive social spaces and promoting the roles and benefits of the different student organisations.
Motaung emphasised how refreshing it was to share ideas and that BOLD would host more informative discussions to promote awareness and student development.
The summit enabled students to share ideas, explore synergy and engage in robust debate on the role students could play to enhance student life and contribute towards excellence at UKZN.
- Rudi Kimmie