“When you enter in student leadership with good intentions, it feels good because you are doing something that you like and are called for, to serve students,” said Durban University of Technology (DUT), Andile Masuku.
Masuku (23) is the newly appointed Student Development Officer and it is safe to say he is deserving of such a position looking at his previous achievements. He passed his Child and Youth Care Development Degree with Cum Laude in 2020 and is completing his master’s degree this year.
Elaborating what he’s learned within the student leadership Masuku said: “It taught me a lot of things, to highlight the few; you must be able to establish new relationships, connect with others and allow yourself to learn new things in life.”
Masuku explained that some perks of being in the student leadership involved getting the opportunity to be developed and get equipped by highly experienced individuals who positively impacted on his student leadership outlook. “I got to participate in activities that contribute to bringing transformation into the institution,” he said.
He added that he had to give up some personal tendencies, in order for him to balance school and work, not procrastinating being one of them. “Whether I was tired or not, I had to get the work done and meet those deadlines,” said Masuku.
He describes himself as a hard worker who is so resilient and has faith, he plans to continue furthering his studies after the completion of his master’s degree.
Unlike many students, the lockdown had a positive impact on Masuku’s academics as he got to finish his dissertation within a 6-months period.
“When it comes to work, there are challenges that I faced, especially when you are working from home but this is the new normal and we must embrace it,” he said.
Advising first year DUT students, Masuku said: “Have focus. Respect others despite knowing the positions they hold because you are building your brand as a leader. Be a leader that will always be remembered for his actions. Lastly, remember the aim of coming to varsity.”
Pictured: Andile Samkele Masuku
Nikiwe Sukazi
