Internationalisation and Partnerships
Unisa's NSRC to participate at prestigious global leadership programme in Ethiopia
Unisa's National Student Representative Council (NSRC) leadership team will participate in the Global Student Leadership Exchange Programme sponsored by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
From left: Aphiwe Dlamini (NSRC Secretary General), Nokuthula Mathonsi (NSRC Treasurer General), Qhubekani Hlabisa (NSRC Postgraduate Officer), Prof Puleng LenkaBula (Unisa’s Vice-Chancellor & Principal), Nkosinathi Mabilane (NSRC President), Queen Manamela (NSRC Undergraduate Officer) and Godfrey Mahloko (Collaborations Officer, Directorate Internationalisation & Partnerships)
The esteemed DHET Global Student Leadership Exchange Programme is set to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 7 to 15 September 2024. The DHET fully sponsors the programme, and it involves student leadership teams and staff members from five South African universities, namely Unisa, the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Central University of Technology (CUT) and the University of Zululand (UniZulu). The participants will be hosted by the University of Addis Ababa, which enjoys a close relationship and collaboration with Unisa. The programme will connect participants from South Africa and Ethiopia to explore shared histories in civil rights, activism, racial equity and leadership within the context of interconnected social issues affecting communities on the African continent.
It is envisaged that participation in this programme will provide student leaders with an exceptional platform to engage with and learn from distinguished higher education figures across Africa. During their time in Addis Ababa, student leaders will have the privilege to delve into critical topics such as leadership as a scientific variable, Pan-Africanism and the future of African universities, and trends in international higher education.
In preparation for this prestigious opportunity, the Unisa delegation had a pre-departure session with the Principal and Vice-Chancellor (PVC), Prof Puleng LenkaBula, who took the opportunity to share an invaluable message of support and guidance to the team as they finalise preparations to undertake this enriching leadership training programme. The PVC encouraged the delegation to proudly represent the Unisa brand and make the most of this opportunity through learning and enquiry.
The team’s pre-departure engagement with LenkaBula reinforces the university leadership’s unwavering support and encouragement for Unisa students to take up and participate in international activities as they prepare to become global citizens. In her conversation with the team, the PVC encouraged them to remain humble as they embark on this exploratory journey, use the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and build continental links that will translate into long-term mutual networks.
"We are confident that the Unisa team will also use the opportunity to share contextually relevant and invaluable insights that speak to who we are as Unisans, particularly our unique cultures and commitment towards shaping futures in the service of humanity," says the Directorate of Internationalisation and Partnerships who recently delightfully announced Unisa’s participation in the Global Student Leadership Exchange Programme.
* By Godfrey Mahloko, Collaborations Officer, Internationalisation and Partnerships Directorate
* Photo by Mduduzile Khatamzi
Publish date: 2024-09-07 00:00:00.0
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