By Minenhle Zikhali
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Student Governance and Development Department has been running a Student Leadership Week programme at the DUT Ritson Campus’s Mansfield Hall this week.
The three-day leadership programme, which started on 10 September and ends on 13 September, aims to foster a sense of belonging, creativity, innovation and leadership insights in the university’s student leaders.
Student leaders are educated on global leadership, the importance of a global approach in today’s interconnected world and the global issues they can tackle.
Outlining the objectives of the initiative, the DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, said: “We’ll explore the essence of leadership, its challenges and triumphs. We’ll delve into the qualities, skills and strategies that distinguish exceptional leaders from the rest, we’ll discuss how leadership can be developed, nurtured and sustained in ourselves and others.”
The DUT Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku, added that true leadership goes beyond authority. “It is about empowering others, inspiring change and leading by example.”
The executive dean of the Faculty of Health and Science, Professor Gugu Mchunu, highlighted how critical it is for student leaders to have a global leadership perspective.
“A leader is one who leads others to leadership. Never think of those who participate in your vision as being less than you are. Global leadership is about thinking about global and local issues at the same time, and leadership is in a moment. What makes a leader different from another is how you react to people’s needs. As the saying goes, ‘A person may not remember what you did for them, but they will remember how you made them feel.’”
The Students Representative Council finance officer, Sihle Nkosi, said that the body’s primary function is to advocate for student interests and concerns within the institution.
“The SRC plays a pivotal role in the institution by serving the student. It provides leadership and guidance in the direction of student initiatives and activities. It also plays a pivotal role in influencing the policies and contributing to the policies of the university and decision making.”
The DUT Students with Disabilities Association chairperson, Sifanele Jula, said that engaging in such workshops was beneficial.“It is very important, because it helps you to be more effective and helps you grow. The workshop was good. It was very interesting. We need more platforms like these, and I am glad that they are finally being created.”
