KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli recently attended the Second Annual Continental Student Leadership Summit held at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Ritson Hall.
The summit brought together student leaders, academics, policymakers, and delegates from tertiary institutions across the African continent to explore innovative approaches to leadership, governance, and youth development in an increasingly interconnected world.
Hosted under the theme ‘Orchestrating the Next Movement of African Excellence in Leadership and in Governance towards Economic Emancipation: Navigating the Complexities and Contradictions’ , the summit served as a dynamic platform for student leaders to acquire knowledge, share experiences, and foster intercultural competence. It highlighted the power of student governance in advancing innovation and transformation, both locally and globally.
In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, called on student leaders from across the continent to become agents of positive change by using their knowledge, leadership, and influence to inspire and uplift their communities.
“The university should be an environment that enlightens society and radiates knowledge and understanding. When our society finds itself in a dark place, it is universities and their people who should show the light and guide the way,” said Professor Mthembu.
Delivering the keynote address, Premier Ntuli challenged young leaders to embrace ethical, accountable and visionary leadership as the foundation for Africa’s future prosperity. He emphasised that the continent’s greatest asset is its youthful population and that investing in principled leadership today will shape Africa’s social and economic trajectory for generations to come.
Premier Ntuli highlighted the importance of equipping student leaders with the knowledge, values and skills required to navigate a rapidly changing global environment driven by technological innovation, digital transformation and economic integration.
He further encouraged young people to position themselves as agents of positive change by promoting integrity, innovation and service to their communities. According to the Premier, ethical leadership is essential for building strong institutions, strengthening democracy and unlocking sustainable development across the continent.
Premier Ntuli noted that Africa has immense potential to become globally competitive in the fields of digital technology, trade, entrepreneurship and the knowledge economy. However, he stressed that achieving this vision will require a new generation of leaders who are committed to transparency, collaboration and inclusive development.
Later in the day, DUT Student Governance and Development Unit hosted a gala dinner at the Elangeni Hotel, where delegates shared further ideas on building a better Africa and discussed the vital role of student leaders in shaping societies across the continent.
The Summit provided an important platform for delegates to exchange ideas, share experiences and strengthen partnerships aimed at developing future African leaders capable of addressing continental challenges while advancing the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Pictured: KZN Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli and Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, at the Second Annual Continental Student Leadership Summit.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Thubelihle Dumakude
