Professor LenkaBula addresses Unisa’s student leadership

Unisa’s National Student Representative Council (NSRC) recently convened its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to address crucial matters impacting student life. The discussions focused on enhancing co-curricular activities.

Prof Puleng LenkaBula (front, third from left), Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, urged NSRC representatives to participate in the national and global discourse around higher education, and to engage with other students internationally

Dr Olwethu Sipuka, the Dean of Students, said that the institution is supporting co-curricular activities and leveraging Unisa’s catalytic niche areas (CNAs) to drive meaningful engagement, and implementing strategies to foster transformation in students' academic and personal development

The NSRC President, Nkosinathi Mabilane, led a successful engagement on the CNAs, and said that the NSRC needs to have three major outputs from those niches in addressing student challenges and the socio-economic crisis. The meeting underscored a commitment to creating enriching, transformative experiences that align with the evolving needs and aspirations of the student body.

Addressing the meeting, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (PVC) reminded members that Unisa has students that are professionals in their fields, and that the work done and decisions taken by the NSRC should make those students proud.

The PVC  urged the NSRC not to fight over petty things but to bring to the table the questions of how they and Unisa can ensure participation in finding answers to the national, regional and global questions. She stated her expectation that student leaders should shy away from focusing on micro-issues, focusing on macro-issues instead.

The PVC challenged members to think of what it means to lead in a government of national unity, and urged them to participate in the national and global discourse around higher education, and to engage with other students internationally.  

The meeting was inspired and challenged by the address of the PVC, who emphasised the importance of proactive leadership and tangible contributions to the student community. In response, the NSRC has committed to launching three major projects that will not only address immediate needs, but also leave a lasting legacy for future students.

* Article prepared by Nokuthula Mathonsi, SRC Treasurer-General