UKZN hosts 16th Annual Masakhane Youth Leadership Course

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The Community Development Association (CDA), a student-led community outreach organisation, together with UKZN’s School of Education recently hosted its 16th annual Masakhane Youth Leadership Course (MYLC).

The course was attended by 250 KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Grade 11 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.

This seven-day course covered topics such as the definition of leadership in the context of an evolving South Africa, youth leadership and democratic participation in post-apartheid South Africa, gender and leadership, violence, conflict management and resolutions, diversity in schooling contexts, youth responsibility and resourcefulness, African leadership and the renaissance, HIV and AIDS and the youth.

Dean and Head of the School of Education and MYLC founder Professor Thabo Msibi said: ‘The Masakhane Youth Leadership Course encourages young people to think critically and broadens the youth’s leadership skills as they are mentored to initiate community projects in their schools. It also broadens the horizon of young people by exposing them to a university setting and to a variety of professionals who have excelled in their particular professions.’

During the course the learners were addressed by different guest speakers including academic and business leaders, government representatives and many more. The focus of the training centred on democracy, leadership styles, non-violence, diversity and strategic engagement.

Ms Luyanda Mbanda of KwaNtebeni Comprehensive High School described the MYLC as ‘a life-changing programme that will enable us to become better youth leaders in our schools and the communities we come from.’

Mr Hloniphani Mkhwanazi of Sakhisizwe High School added: ‘I have learnt so much during this course. I think every learner should attend this because it gives us life skills and I have made so many new friends. Being here at UKZN and seeing the campuses makes me want to come here to study.’

Having completed the course the learners are now expected to launch social responsibility projects in their respective schools with the help of university students that have mentored them throughout the course.

Words by: Nomcebo Mncube

Photographs: Ziphezinhle Silindile Biyela