Born in 1986 in a small village of Zuka in rural KwaZulu Natal (KZN) a determined and driven Sabelo Mhlungu now plays a pivotal role in the future of Unisa as the president of the convocation. After matriculating he relocated to Pretoria to pursue his studies at University of Pretoria (UP) and completed a BA in Psychology in 2008. Thereafter he commenced his stint as a postgraduate student at Unisa and completed two honours degrees, one in Psychology and the other in History. Embracing his love and interest in Psychology, he furthered his studies at Unisa with a Master’s Degree in Psychology specialising in the area of substance and alcohol abuse. He is currently studying towards a PhD at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
Sabelo has always been a politically active student, serving as the president of the Unisa Student Representative Council (SRC). Embracing his interest in substance and alcohol abuse and alternative ways of treating addictions he is involved in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that assist addicts. His vision is to eventually open a rehabilitation centre that will utilise alternative methods of rehabilitation. “Patients often relapse because they have to return to exactly the same circumstances they were in before. These patients need to be skilled and empowered to, for example start their own businesses or apply for employment. Substance abuse is a very big threat to this country, our young peoples’ lives are destroyed, and they are the leaders of tomorrow.”
The 2019 – 2023 term will be his second in office and Sabelo is thankful that he will be able to continue with the various projects that were implemented during his first term. He is a member of the Unisa Council representing the Convocation. He is planning to have more interactive sessions with convocants on engaging topics that will benefit both the Convocation and the university. Part of his vision is to build stronger ties between Unisa and industry both in South Africa and on the African continent. Together with the Convocation he is also going to delve deeper into the unemployment crisis in the country with specific focus on unemployed Unisa graduates.
Last modified: Sat Jul 29 01:34:50 SAST 2023