Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has urged student leaders at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to lead with integrity, humility and accountability, emphasising that leadership is built on the trust placed in those entrusted with positions of power.
Advocate Gcaleka recently delivered an insightful keynote address titled “Leading with Integrity: Building Trust, Accountability, and Excellence” at the closing ceremony of DUT’s third annual Student Leadership Week (SLW), held at the Indian Cane Growers Hall, ML Sultan Campus in Durban.
The programme focused on leadership, integrity, innovation, diversity, inclusion and social impact, providing student leaders with an opportunity to reflect on their responsibilities and their role in shaping DUT and society.
Addressing the student leaders, Advocate Gcaleka explored the importance of ethical leadership, accountability and trust in building stronger institutions and communities.
Advocate Gcaleka is a jurist and public servant with more than two decades of experience across the criminal justice system, government and oversight institutions. Her career has been characterised by a commitment to justice, good governance, accountability and the fight against corruption. She is the first Black female National Chairperson of the Society of State Advocates and continues to champion ethical governance, effective oversight and the protection of citizens’ rights.
She began her address by asking the student leaders to recite the Preamble to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, highlighting the importance of understanding the principles and values underpinning ethical leadership.
Advocate Gcaleka reminded the student leaders that they hold their positions because fellow students elected them and entrusted them with the responsibility of speaking on their behalf. She urged them to honour that trust by leading with integrity.
“Before you are given power, you must be trusted. You need to understand that the power given is not for self-gain but to ensure you contribute to helping those who have entrusted you with that power. What does that power mean to you? How do you translate it and hold it with respect? You must have humility, discipline and respect,” advised Advocate Gcaleka.
She also made reference to the Zondo Commission and the Madlanga Commission, noting that what fell short in the cases under discussion was not necessarily qualifications or experience, but integrity – and that a failure of integrity can undermine the trust that people place in their leaders.
In her closing remarks, Advocate Gcaleka encouraged the student leaders to be part of a generation that embraces change and chooses to lead differently. She challenged them to contribute to rebuilding trust and strengthening a culture of integrity and ethical leadership in their institutions and communities.
Following the keynote address, the student leaders had an opportunity to engage with Advocate Gcaleka during a question-and-answer session. The engagement provided an opportunity for students to reflect on the practical realities and responsibilities of leadership.
DUT Student Governance and Development Manager, Mr Masiza Ngculu, expressed the University’s sincere appreciation to Advocate Gcaleka for attending the event and sharing her insights and experience with DUT’s student leaders.
He also thanked the student leaders for their enthusiastic participation and contribution to the success of Student Leadership Week.
Mr Ngculu said the programme provided a platform for student leaders to engage with key leadership principles while developing their sense of belonging, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership acumen.
The programme further encouraged student leaders to reflect on their role in shaping DUT and contributing to broader society beyond their terms of office.
Pictured: Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka addressing DUT student leaders.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Simangele Zuma
