The Student Governance and Development unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a successful Representative Council of Learners (RCL) Leadership Capacity Building event to equip learners with vital skills to excel in leadership roles. The RCL event was held at Mansfield Hall, Ritson campus on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 and Thursday, 26 September 2024.

Mr Andile Masuku, Student Development Officer under the Student Governance and Development unit gave a brief insight on the aim of the programme. “The purpose of the programme is to educate RCLs with leadership competencies which will eventually contribute to how they behave in school among their peers and the skills that they would need to possess to leverage their performance in executing their duties,” said Masuku.

He further unpacked the objectives of the Representative Council of Learners Leadership Capacity Building Programme, which are to:

• Unleash the potential of leadership, holistic growth, and development among the RCLs.

• Enable the RCLs to understand their role while executing their duties within the school.

• Equip RCLs with appropriate skills and knowledge for them to create needed networks to harness their passion and to contribute to a culture of positive social change.

• Build and strengthen the learner’s level of self-awareness and confidence for them to identify and recognise their weakness and strengths which will eventually improve their abilities of leadership.

Welcoming the guests, the Student Governance and Development Officer, Ms Thokozani Sibiya indicated that the event was aimed to groom and to sharpen young leaders from high schools, equipping them with the values and principles necessary for effective leadership.

Sihle Nkosi, a Student Representative Council (SRC) Finance Officer at DUT, expressed his gratitude to the learners and teachers for joining them on the RCL event. He shared the duties of the SRC and student leaders within the institution.

“Initially, I thought being an SRC member meant engaging solely in politics. However, DUT showed me that it’s also about excelling academically,” shared Nkosi.

He then went on and explained that as a leader one needs to lead by example and get better marks in order for the students being led to do the same.

Dr Mzwandile Khumalo from Siyaphumelela Institutional Lead at DUT presented on the definition of leadership and qualities of a good leader, referencing renowned leaders past and present. Learners actively participated in the discussion by asking questions and engaging on the topic.

Ayabongwa Gwamanda, a learner from Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical School, appreciated the opportunity. “I gained valuable leadership skills and I am eager to apply them at school as a leader,” said Gwamanda.

To foster teamwork, learners participated in a team-building exercise at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, in Steve Biko campus.

On Day two, the event proceeded with Ayanda Mthethwa, a psychologist at DUT speaking on mental health and leadership duties. “Maintaining your well-being is important before supporting others,” she emphasised.  Mthethwa discussed various mental health aspects and offered tips on managing mental health as a leader.

Asanda Makhaye, a Grade 11 learner from Edendale Technical High School, found Mthethwa’s presentation particularly impactful, “Maintaining mental health in leadership is challenging, but I gained valuable insights,” she said.

Ms Refilwe Twala, Senior Residence Life Officer at DUT, reflected on leadership duties:  “As a leader, understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth is essential,” she advised.

Learners participated in a reflective exercise to introspect. Expressing his gratitude to DUT, Mr Mholi Nkosi, a teacher from Mnconjwana High School said: “The programme was fruitful, especially the mental health session. Our learners gained significantly from that presentation, as mental health is a pressing issue in leadership.”

Student Governance and Development Manager, Mr Masiza Ngculu extended his words of appreciation to all the attendees for making the event a success.

Pictured: Attendees at the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) Leadership Capacity Building event.

Sinamile Sithole