From the heart of Ezakheni to the forefront of student leadership, Charles-Junior Siyamthanda Kalyango, affectionately known as CJ, now steps forward as the newly elected SRC Academic Officer at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
A passionate young leader driven by purpose, courage, and a deep commitment to justice, Kalyango represents a new generation of student leadership rooted in service, academic excellence, and the upliftment of others.
Born in Ladysmith and raised in Ezakheni Section C, he has a long embodied resilience and determination.
His educational journey began at Falethu Primary School, where he completed Grade R in 2010, before his family relocated to Pietermaritzburg. There, he continued his primary schooling at Alston Primary School from 2011 to 2017. He later attended Esther Payne Smith Secondary School (E.P.S), completing matric with a Bachelor’s Pass and consistently ranking among the Top 10 achievers in History.
These early accomplishments not only reflected strong academic ability but also sparked his interest in politics, justice, and representation. It was at E.P.S that Kalyango passion for leadership first took shape, a spark that has since grown into a defining force in his life.
Now a dedicated student at DUT, CJ has emerged as a principled and determined advocate for fairness, academic access, and student welfare. Since his first year in 2024, he has been actively involved in student politics through the EFF Student Command, now known as the EFF Youth Command (EFFYC). His commitment quickly earned him a role within the EFFYC Midlands Branch Task Team, where he worked tirelessly at grassroots level to champion students’ rights and ensure deserving learners are not excluded from educational opportunities.
Those who know Kalyango speak highly of his humility, discipline, and unwavering work ethic. His leadership style is grounded in empathy, accountability, and a deep belief in collective empowerment. He listens, he acts, and he follows through, guided always by a principle close to his heart, “No one is free until the last one is free.”
Balancing leadership responsibilities with academic demands has not been without challenges, yet these experiences have shaped Kalyango into a relatable and respected voice on campus. He understands the everyday realities students face and advocates with lived insight rather than distant authority.
As he steps into his new role as SRC Academic Officer from 2025 to 2027, Kalyango aims to strengthen academic support structures, enhance communication between students and faculties, and promote efficient administrative processes. His vision is to cultivate an environment where academic freedom thrives, one that fosters critical thinking, innovation, and equal opportunity for all.
In his own words, “I believe in fighting for students’ rights and ensuring that every student’s voice is heard. Academic freedom is the backbone of excellence, and I intend to protect it with everything I have.”
His journey is a powerful reminder that true leadership begins with service and the courage to pursue something greater than oneself. His story inspires not only because of what he has achieved, but because of the transformative change he is committed to bringing to DUT.
Kalyango was elected as SRC Academic Officer. His dedication, vision, and commitment to service set a standard for student leadership, and his contributions will leave a lasting mark on the DUT community.
Pictured: DUT SRC Academic Officer, Mr. Charles-Junior Siyamthanda Kalyango.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Tiyani Mboweni
