Student Development Programs

Student Development Programs

At Nelson Mandela University, we believe in empowering students to reach their fullest potential. Our student development programs are designed to sharpen your skills, grow your leadership abilities, and inspire your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.

Through engaging virtual and face-to-face experiences, we create close-knit learning spaces where you can thrive, collaborate, and build lifelong connections. The opportunities are endless—join our programs and start shaping your own success story today!

Explore Our Student Development Programs

• Beyond the Classroom Leadership Program (BtC)

The Beyond the Classroom (BtC) Leadership Program offers a transformative learning experience that goes beyond academics. BtC is designed to nurture well-rounded graduates by enhancing key attributes such as critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility.

At BtC, we foster an environment where students grow as independent thinkers and active citizens who are both academically excellent and socially conscious. This holistic approach to development reflects Nelson Mandela University's commitment to lifelong learning and creating a positive impact in the world.

Key Values:

• Respect and tolerance
• Critical thinking and creativity
• Active citizenship
• Academic and personal growth

Join BtC to unlock your potential and become a leader of tomorrow!

For more information, contact Deidré Potgieter at btc@mandela.ac.za

Take the first step toward personal and professional growth—your journey begins here.

Beyond the Classroom staff and students at the celebratory breakfast for 2023 graduates

EBUHLANTI Men’s Leadership Program  – The Kraal:

Is a comprehensive and transformative initiative designed to empower men from diverse backgrounds to become effective leaders, role models, and agents of positive change in their personal and professional lives. This program offers participants a unique opportunity to develop essential leadership skills, foster meaningful connections, and explore topics related to personal growth, communication, empathy, and social responsibility in safe space for men.

What kind of topics do we discus?

1. Identity and Self-Awareness
   • Exploring the concept of masculinity and its evolving role in society.
2. Cultural Heritage and Traditions
3. Reflecting on the role of traditions in shaping identity.
4. Leading ethically and inspiring trust.
5. Understanding the impact of digital spaces on relationships and self-image.
6. Strategies for resolving conflicts constructively.
7. Building respectful and equitable relationships.
8. Building emotional resilience and seeking support.
9. Understanding the connection between physical and mental health.
10. Learning the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, and investing.
11. Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset.
12. Preparing for the job market and setting career goals.
13. Encouraging active participation in community development.
14. Leadership Fundamentals: Leading with Integrity
15. Navigating Modern Challenges: Technology and Social Media
16. Communication and Conflict Resolution
17. Healthy Relationships and Respect
18. Mental Health and Wellbeing
19. Physical Health and Wellness
20. Financial Literacy and Planning
21. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
22. Career Development: Preparing for the Future
23. Community Engagement: Serving and Leading in the Context of Social Responsibility

How to Join?

Join by popping an email to Ebuhlanti@mandela.ac.za or yanga.lusasa@mandela.ac.za

When will sign up be?

Sign ups will open from the 10 February 2025 – 20 February 2025.

Sign Up

Residences:

We can also be found at the following residences on campus:

• Claude Qavane
• Hector Peterson
• Phase 3

Join in with those residences speak to the prim of that particular residence and they will guide you on how to join. 

For more information contact:

Yanga Lusasa 041 5041235 or Yanga.Lusasa@mandela.ac.za

Ebuhlanti Certification and Ebuhlanti Declaration

LeadHER - A women empowerment program

LeadHER is a six - month hybrid program that promotes an intellectual atmosphere amongst young women, with 8 Dialogue sessions, from women who are making big strides in different industries and 1 Women in Leadership Seminar. 

It focuses on enhancing and cultivating leadership capabilities through guided and focused themes, personal learning and development of skills and needs.

The LeadHER Women’s empowerment Program journey is built around complementary themes carefully selected to facilitate the development of leadership competencies in women. 

• Gain personal empowerment and greater sense of presence in society, through establishing a strategic partnership that emulate success stories of generations of women.
• Boost thinking in seeing things from a new perspective by gaining insight into women leadership.
• Develop behaviours that align with & support personal leadership
• Navigate complex relationships and systemic challenges that better the lives of women in society.
• Build skills for leading change and position young women at the centre of social change.

Who can join: 

Any female registered student 

Contact person: Sinovuyo Mdlungu at Sinovuyo.Mdlungu@mandela.ac.za

LeadHER - Driving change through accelerated women empowerment and emancipation.  

• Leaders for Change Programme

Sign up

LFC Certification and LFC Seminar