Higher education institutions occupy a unique position in South Africa's democratic life.  Beyond teaching and research, universities cultivate citizenship, nurture ethical leadership and contribute to national development. They are also spaces where future leaders develop the knowledge, values and capabilities to address society's complex challenges.

 

Today’s student leaders navigate persistent financial exclusion, accommodation shortages, food insecurity, mental health challenges, graduate unemployment and digital transformation. These realities demand a renewed approach to leadership that moves beyond reactive crisis management towards proactive, ethical and socially responsive leadership.

 

The Nelson Mandela University Student Leadership Indaba is one of the responses that aim at advancing citizen leadership as a framework for leadership renewal grounded in active citizenship, democratic participation, ethical stewardship and collective responsibility.

 

The Indaba took place from the 22nd until the 23rd of July 2026 at the Business School’s main Lecture Hall.  Two universities in the Eastern Cape (Rhodes and Fort Hare) as well as one TVET College attended the Indaba.  Further to this, there were various speakers which included prominent NMU speakers like Prof Mngomezulu and Ms Ntlokwana. Other prominent speakers included, Dr Oppelt, Ms Nompendulo Mkhwatshwa, Mr Moses Nkambako – SAUS President and Mr Vele Mbele.

 

Student leaders challenged to reimagine leadership in a changing world, read full article.