The University continues to empower its student leaders with the necessary skills that will enable them to lead the students effectively. When elected to the student leadership councils at higher education, the students do not have the required skills to lead and contribute to the universities’ management.
During the inauguration of the SRC last year, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, said she wanted to have leadership development sessions with the SRC. On 13-15 March 2025, Professor Sibiya followed up on her promise. She ran a leadership workshop focused on leadership strategies, student engagement, and holistic student development. The workshop included speeches, discussions, and training sessions to equip SRC members with the skills to represent and advocate for students. The workshop objectives were to strengthen leadership qualities among SRC members; encourage effective communication and engagement with students and management; discuss the importance of holistic student support; develop strategies for conflict resolution and decision-making, and align SRC activities with the University’s strategic goals.
The student leaders learned a variety of things that will enable them to deal with issues and challenges that are usually difficult to handle if you did not go through meetings like this one. First, it was important for the student leaders to understand the types of leaders, and the impact these would have on those that are led. Some of the types of leadership that Professor Sibiya talked about were Transformational leadership, which she highlighted as a crucial approach for student leaders who aim to drive change and inspire innovation, and Democratic leadership, which she recognized as an essential style in student governance, ensuring that all voices are heard. Some of what the students learned was a much deeper meaning of what leadership is. “It is important for a leader to lead with intention and purpose. Leadership requires planning, commitment, and the ability to navigate challenges. Student leaders must balance academic responsibilities with their leadership roles,” Professor Sibiya said, adding that effective leadership is based on transparency, collaboration, and understanding the needs of the student body. Highlighting the central role of the SRC, Professor Sibiya said the SRC must act as a bridge between students and University management.