Siyabonga Lushaba, Chairperson of the RSRC, received an LLB Degree in the Unisa College of Law.

Chairperson of Gauteng’s Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC), Siyabonga Lushaba, received his Bachelor of Laws degree at Unisa’s recent autumn graduation ceremonies. Lushaba walked confidently onto the stage at the ZK Matthews Great Hall on 28 March 2023, knowing that he completed his degree within the minimum time.

Lushaba started his law studies in 2019 and completed the degree in 2022. "It feels great to be an alumnus of the biggest university in Africa," says Lushaba. "It feels like a dream that I have finished my four-year-degree on time." In his achievement, Lushaba applauds Unisa for the outstanding support he had received during his academic journey. "Especially, with online classes," he stresses.

"I got inspired to register with Unisa because of its Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) model," adds Lushaba. He strongly believes that distance education accommodates everyone in every part of the world. "Everything can be done online without the hassle of spending money on transport," he explains. Moreover, Lushaba says Unisa is affordable compared to other South African universities and it prepares one for the corporate world.

Leading from the front

Lushaba’s leadership skills were cultivated at a young age following his upbringing at Pongola, eNtumbane in KwaZulu-Natal. His fondest childhood memories start from primary school where he used to sell popcorn and sweets to survive. Lushaba praises his mom for working hard and providing a safe shelter for the family. At an early age, Lushaba saw a need for young people raised in unprivileged communities to chase their dreams and give back to their communities.

Hence, as a student leader deployed by the South African Students Congress (SASCO), Lushaba wants to see everyone win and get their qualifications. He further says his studies taught him to be solution oriented. "As someone who is politically active, the modules taught me a lot about governance," he notes. Lushaba wants to grow in the field of law and assist Africans to fight injustices.

Encouraging his fellow students to make things happen, Lushaba says one should acquire education for personal development. "Do it for your future," he says. "Remember your why, and never lose focus even if you fail," he underlines. "Surround yourself with winners and aim for the stars," he adds. For Lushaba, this academic victory is not an individual win, but it is for everyone who inspired him along the way, and he is paying it forward.

A special 150^th year to graduate

Asked to comment on Unisa’s 150^th anniversary, Lushaba says it is an honour to graduate in 2023. "This is a special year for Unisa," he says. "The work that Unisa is doing is heart-warming as it is a university that is non-discriminatory and accessible to everyone. I would like to wish Unisa to reach another 150 years beyond to assist students in acquiring their qualifications and to continue producing dynamic leaders and big thinkers."

The Gauteng Region is proud of Lushaba. According to Thembeka Ntuli-Mpapama, Gauteng Region’s Communication and Marketing Manager, Lushaba overcame so many obstacles to achieve this win. "His perseverance and hard work are an inspiration to many young students. We are sending our heartfelt congratulations and wish him the best of luck for his future endeavours," she says.

Furthermore, Moipone Masalesa, the Regional Director of Gauteng Region, says Lushaba’s achievement is what her office aims to achieve in encouraging young leaders to follow OR Tambo’s footsteps in embracing education. "We wish to encourage young student leaders to learn from Lushaba, to prioritise education while serving in student structures," she remarks.

"Lushaba and many other student leaders in the university have completely crushed the notion that student leaders lose focus in their studies and do not graduate," says Qhama Mati, the Deputy President of Unisa's National Student Representative Council (NSRC). "This is a beautiful moment to watch, and I have no doubt that Lushaba will excel in his career."

#Unisa150      #Unisa150Stories

*By Lesego Chiloane-Ravhudzulo, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

* Photos by Gordon Harris Photographic