The Student Governance and Development Unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted a capacity-building session at the Coastlands Skye Hotel in uMhlanga. The programme was designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of Student Representative Council (SRC) members and enhance their effectiveness in student governance, representation, and campus engagement.
The session formed part of ongoing efforts to equip student leaders with practical skills to navigate leadership responsibilities effectively while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and positive influence within the university community.
Mr Masiza Ngculu, Manager in the Student Governance Unit, welcomed attendees and emphasised the importance of SRC leadership in shaping student experience and institutional culture. He reminded student leaders that their term of office is limited to two years and encouraged them to use this period purposefully to build meaningful relationships and professional networks that extend beyond the university environment.
He further noted that leadership should not be confined to a term of office, but should serve as a foundation for long term impact, continued engagement, and future opportunities within regional, continental, and global spaces.
Mr Ngculu formally introduced DUT Communications Manager, Mr Tiyani Mboweni, who delivered a presentation focused on strategic personal branding and leadership influence.
Delivering his presentation on the theme Personal Branding for Social Impact: Using Your Voice to Influence Change, Mr Mboweni encouraged student leaders to view personal branding as a leadership asset that can strengthen their influence, credibility, and ability to drive meaningful change.
He explained that personal branding is not about self promotion, but about intentionally shaping how one is perceived through values, actions, communication, and consistency. He noted that student leaders who build strong and authentic personal brands are often better positioned to earn trust, mobilise support, communicate effectively, and represent the interests of their constituencies.
“People are more likely to listen to leaders whose actions consistently align with their words. A strong personal brand is built through credibility, authenticity, and service,” said Mboweni.
He further highlighted that student leaders occupy influential positions within the university and should use their platforms strategically to advocate for student needs, champion positive causes, and contribute to institutional development. He encouraged SRC members to become visible and accessible leaders who engage meaningfully with students and communities.
During the engagement, Mr Mboweni challenged student leaders to reflect on the initiatives and activities they are leading within their own communities outside of the university environment. He urged them to take an active role in shaping better communities by applying the knowledge, leadership skills, and opportunities they gain through their positions as SRC leaders.
He emphasised that leadership should not be confined to campus boundaries, but should translate into meaningful social impact through mentorship, community development initiatives, youth empowerment programmes, educational support, and other activities that improve the lives of those around them.
Mr Mboweni also encouraged SRC members to pay close attention to the leadership insights, values, and wisdom shared by DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Thandwa Mthembu, and members of the Executive Management Team. He noted that student leaders are uniquely positioned to learn from experienced institutional leaders whose guidance extends beyond university governance and offers valuable lessons in leadership, decision making, resilience, and service.
He urged students to view every interaction, address, and engagement with university leadership as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, adding that the ability to listen, learn, and apply such lessons is a defining characteristic of effective leaders. He encouraged SRC members to carry these insights into their own leadership journeys and use them to make a positive impact within the university and their respective communities.
Addressing the digital landscape, Mr Mboweni emphasised that social media has become an important extension of leadership. He encouraged student leaders to use digital platforms purposefully to communicate with students, share impactful stories, celebrate achievements, and create conversations that inspire participation and positive change.
He added that cultivating a professional and responsible online presence can open doors to future opportunities, strengthen leadership credibility, and establish a legacy that extends beyond university life.
Reflecting on the session, SRC President Sihle Nkosi commended Mr Mboweni for the transformation of DUT’s social media platforms and their growing impact in showcasing student success stories, institutional achievements, and campus life.
Drawing on the discussions around personal branding and strategic communication, Sihle highlighted student attendance and participation as key challenges requiring innovative engagement approaches. He called on Mr Mboweni and the Communications Unit to continue utilising the university’s digital platforms to encourage students to attend classes, participate in campus activities, and engage more actively with university life.
Sihle further emphasised the importance of strengthening the SRC’s visibility and engagement with students through purposeful communication initiatives. He noted that interview style videos, student success stories, and social media content could play a valuable role in fostering a stronger sense of belonging and rebuilding campus culture.
He added that the SRC intends to work more closely with academic officers and other stakeholders to develop structured communication and engagement initiatives that enhance accessibility, build trust, and encourage greater student participation across the university.
The session also focused on strengthening student leaders’ competencies in communication, decision making, problem solving, and teamwork. Participants were further guided on ethical leadership practices, conflict resolution, and effective representation of student needs within institutional structures.
Pictured: Student Governance and Development staff joined by DUT Communications Manager Tiyani Mboweni during an engagement session with student leaders.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
