Student leaders gain valuable insights through Durban leadership tour

The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Directorate of Student Governance and Leadership Development (SGLD) recently strengthened its commitment to cultivating capable and impactful student leaders through an educational tour to Durban.

Combining leadership development, institutional benchmarking, wellness and team-building activities, the initiative provided student leaders and staff with valuable opportunities to broaden their perspectives, strengthen collaboration and enhance their capacity to serve the University's student community.

The tour, a flagship SGLD initiative, brought together student leaders and colleagues from campuses across the University. It was led by Tebogo Maredi, Student Development Practitioner, and Tebogo Mohlatlole, Student Life and Governance Administrator at the Ga-Rankuwa Campus, with support from SGLD colleagues representing various TUT campuses.

Upon arrival in Durban, participants were introduced to the programme and its objectives, setting the stage for a week of meaningful engagement, learning and professional growth.

A highlight of the educational programme was a visit to uShaka Marine World, where students were exposed to a learning environment beyond the traditional classroom setting. The experience encouraged engagement among student leaders from different campuses while promoting social interaction and relationship-building.

The itinerary also included a boat cruise and a visit to Phezulu Safari Park. These activities provided participants with opportunities to experience Durban’s rich cultural and educational attractions while fostering stronger connections among students and staff.

Recognising the importance of holistic student development, the programme featured a dedicated mental health and wellness session. The session encouraged reflection and underscored the critical role of well-being in effective leadership. Participants explored the importance of emotional resilience and the responsibility of student leaders and staff to create supportive environments that respond to the diverse needs of students.

A significant focus of the tour was leadership development and institutional learning. Through a leadership boot camp and a benchmarking engagement with the Durban University of Technology (DUT), participants gained valuable insight into best practices in student governance and leadership structures within the higher education sector.

The visit coincided with DUT’s Student Leadership Week 2026, creating an ideal platform for knowledge-sharing and professional exchange. The engagement enabled the TUT delegation to learn from another institution's student leadership initiatives while exploring innovative approaches to governance, representation and student participation.

Student leadership remains a cornerstone of university life, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to institutional processes, advocate for their peers and drive positive change within their campus communities. The Durban tour reinforced these ideals by equipping participants with practical insights and leadership skills that can be applied across TUT's campuses.

Among the SGLD representatives who participated were Dr Rebone Molefe, SGLD Head of Department and Interim Campus Coordinator for the Soshanguve Campuses; Adv. Tshegofatso Malatja, Head of Department at the Ga-Rankuwa Campus; Thabiso Mbewe, Student Life and Governance Practitioner at the Polokwane Campus; Tshepang Manyesa, Student Development Practitioner at the Soshanguve Campuses; Thato Mokhele, Student Life and Governance Administrator; Elsie Mosehana, Student Development Practitioner from the eMalahleni Campus; and Scelo Shembe, Student Development Officer at the Pretoria Campuses, alongside colleagues from across the University.

The participation of staff members from various campuses strengthened institutional collaboration and provided a platform for exchanging experiences, ideas and best practices in student governance and development. The engagement further reinforced the value of a coordinated approach to advancing initiatives that support TUT's diverse student population.

As the tour concluded, participants reflected on the lessons learned and the relationships forged throughout the programme. Beyond the educational experiences, the initiative strengthened professional networks and reaffirmed SGLD's commitment to developing student leaders who are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the University and society.