Ten Years of Student Leadership at UKZN

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UKZN celebrated 10 years of student leadership on the Westville campus. Hosted by the Student Services Division, the event also acknowledged the academic achievements of current student leaders.

Speaking on the day, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Malegapuru Makgoba commended the former leaders for their ‘exceptional leadership’ and remarked on the impact they were having as graduates of the University. ‘Most of you have gone on to greener pastures and become leaders in the so-called new South Africa.’

Makgoba acknowledged that while the University had endeavored to shape the young leaders, he personally had been affected and shaped by interactions with them. He said he had enjoyed working with young students whose ‘radical ideas’ he often reflected on.

Dr Sibusiso Chalufu, Executive Director: Student Services, said the event was held to reflect on the experiences of former student leaders at the University. He applauded the current and former students for achieving their academic goals while serving in various leadership capacities at the University.

Chalufu highlighted the programmes that the Division had initiated in the past two years and further outlined some of the plans going forward, in an effort to enhance the quality of student life and contribute to the development of students in general and student leaders in particular.

He further expressed gratitude to staff members within his office who planned the event, particularly Mr Meliqiniso Sibisi and Mr Nkosikhona Dladla, and the ‘anchors’ of Student Services,’ Ms Priscilla Cele and Ms Nokwanda Jali, among others.

Former Executive Dean of Students Mr Trevor Wills reflected on interactions he had enjoyed with members of the SRC, and quipped that since he had retired, he often missed the ‘engagement’, particularly the calls he would receive at all hours of the night!

He applauded the former student leaders for the contributions that they had made to the University, and for inputs they were currently making in their respective fields.

Acknowledged as the ‘first Student Governance Officer’ Mr Zola Saphetha, spoke about the key milestones achieved by students, specifically student activism.

A number of former student leaders reflected on their experiences at the University, including: Mr Sibusiso Ngwane; Mr Sammy Mashita; Thanduxolo Sabelo; Mzomuhle Mhlongo and Mr Nelson Mabusela. The current CSRC President, Mr Sithabiso Mthethwa, also gave his views on where the University was at present and the road ahead.

Provincial MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, acknowledged former leaders for the strides they were making in their careers. ‘This University has produced great assets in you for the world,’ said Dhlomo.

Dhlomo said those associated with the University including alumni should be approached to contribute to scholarships, etc. He supported the former leaders’ aim to ‘plough back and also push us to do so’ by contributing financially to the University. ‘We owe it to our great grandchildren,’ he added.

A highlight of the evening was the address by the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Councillor Kgosientso “Sputla” Ramokgopa, an alumnus of UKZN.

Remarking on the contributions students have made in shaping the country, Ramokgopa said: ‘We galvanised students against the establishment of the time.’

He quoted former United States President John F. Kennedy, saying, ‘Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.’

The keynote address was delivered by Mr Bonnke Shipalana, Founder and Chairman of Power of One (Leadership Agency) and CEO of The Communications Firm.

Shipalana encouraged young leaders to understand the difference between ‘what’s important and what’s necessary’.

He said: ‘If you are not serving, you are not a leader. If you are not leading, you are not growing.’

The final part of the evening was the third Annual Student Leadership Academic Achievement Celebration.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Renuka Vithal, commented on the University’s commitment to growth, including plans to increase wireless connectivity ‘as part of our vision and mission to move ahead’.

Mr Fanle Sibisi, President of UKZN’s Convocation, wished everyone a happy Women’s Day. He, along with numerous other speakers, acknowledged Mrs Anita Ramiah from UKZN’s SGLD offices on the Westville campus.  

-        Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer