Prominent Leaders Inspire Youthful Leadership at Rhodes University SRC Leadership Week

Date Released: Thu, 7 August 2025 08:52 +0200

By: Sabrina Zerf

Leadership is not merely a privilege, but a moral obligation to serve others and drive positive change. Rhodes University SRC Leadership Week provided a necessary space for confronting the responsibilities facing young leaders today. The panel discussion, “Empowering Future Generations,” brought urgent attention to the intersection of business, leadership, and civic duty. Speakers challenged students to view leadership not as status, but as a moral obligation rooted in self-awareness, community engagement, and ethical conduct. This discussion mattered because it moved beyond theory, calling on youth to act now—within their campuses, communities, and careers. Leadership is not reserved for the future; it begins with present choices that shape a more just and accountable society.

Facilitated by the insightful David Magqabi, a Rhodes University psychologist and SRC facilitator, the panel featured a distinguished lineup of guest speakers: Honourable Vuyo Zungula, Ms. Moagisi Letlhaku, Ms. Bes Liesenberg, Professor Alistair Mokoena, and Mr Reuel Khoza. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, drawing from their vast experience in various sectors.

Member of Parliament Honourable Vuyo Zungula, representing the African Transformation Movement since 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management from Nelson Mandela University and an Honours degree in Business Management from UNISA. He is known for his advocacy against corruption and youth empowerment. He has passionately highlighted the critical role of youth in reshaping the economy. He reflected on the pressing need for change: "Our objective as young people is to transform the economy." With a clear focus on the importance of local production, Zungula emphasised that true economic transformation can only be achieved through collaboration and unity. His message was clear: the economy's future lies in the hands of an empowered, united youth, ready to take charge and lead with responsibility.

The discussion explored the crucial role of business in driving economic growth and fostering social good. The panellists emphasised that authentic leadership extends beyond the boardroom, requiring a commitment to ethical practices, sustainability, and community engagement. Ms Moagisi Letlhaku, governance advocate championing civic participation and its role in business success, stated, "Civic participation is the vehicle that can be used toward realising a successful corporate government and also towards achieving good governance and corporate success and business success for us".

Ms Bes Liesenberg, student leadership trainer, shared her expertise on student leadership training, emphasising the importance of self-awareness in effective leadership. She spoke about the crucial question of "Who do you need to be?", urging students to reflect on their values, strengths, and areas for growth.

Professor Alistair Mokoena, the author of a top-selling book, ‘Servings of Self-Mastery’ and a Rhodes University alumnus, shared valuable insights from his 25-year corporate career. A Chartered Marketer with qualifications in law, business, and marketing, Prof Mokoena holds a PhD from the North West University Business School. In his address, he spoke passionately about the importance of self-awareness and self-love, urging young people to embrace their unique qualities and recognise their power. He highlighted, "Your superpower as young people is the gift of creativity." He also addressed the growing mental health concerns stemming from an obsession with technology, emphasising the need for balance in a digital world. His message to the youth was clear: authentic leadership starts with inner awareness and self-care.

The highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by the esteemed Mr. Reuel Khoza, an entrepreneur and academic with decades of leadership experience. As Chairman of Dzana Investments, Discovery Bank, and Assupol Insurance, Mr. Khoza's insights were profound and inspiring. In his powerful address, he emphasised the importance of wisdom in leadership and the need for investments in youth mentorship. He reminded the audience that leadership is not about privilege, stating, "Leadership is not a privilege, to self-serve or exploit others, it is a moral obligation."

Mr. Khoza also stressed the urgency of youth involvement in shaping the present, declaring, "You are not just the leaders of tomorrow, you are the architects of today." His words resonated deeply, urging the next generation to take ownership and responsibility in their leadership roles, not just for the future, but for the transformation of today.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students could engage directly with the speakers. The passionate and insightful questions from the audience demonstrated a keen interest in the topics discussed and a genuine desire to lead with civic responsibility as youth.

The panel discussion served as a potent reminder that the future is in the hands of the youth. By empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and values to navigate the complex world of business and leadership with a strong sense of civic responsibility, we can pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

 

Source:The Division of Communications & Advancement