A Division of Student Affairs
2026
3 R D
A N N U A L
W I T S
STUDENT LEADERSHIP C O N F E R E N C E BOOKLET
3RD ANNUAL WITS STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE THEME: LEAD WITH INTEGRITY
2026 CONFERENCE FOCUS: COURAGE AS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP
9–10 October 2026 Great Hall | Wits University, Braamfontein Campus , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE The annual Wits Student Leadership Conference is an annual flagship programme of the Division of Student Affairs at the University of the Witwatersrand. Now in its third year, the Conference brings together students, university communities and leaders from different generations and sectors for critical engagement, reflection and leadership development. Anchored in the theme “Lead with Integrity”, the Conference creates a space to examine leadership beyond titles and positions – focusing instead on the values, choices, responsibilities and consequences that accompany the exercise of leadership. Through keynote addresses, facilitated dialogues, student reflections and cross-sector engagements, participants encounter diverse experiences and perspectives on leadership while being challenged to reflect critically on their own leadership practice. Ultimately, the Conference asks participants not simply what kind of leadership they expect from others, but what kind of leaders they themselves choose to become.
#WitsSudentLeadershipConference #LeadWithIntegrity
BACKGROUND The Wits 2033 Strategy affirms the University of the Witwatersrand's commitment to developing scholars who are also global leaders. This commitment recognises that a university education must extend beyond disciplinary knowledge to prepare graduates who can exercise judgement, lead responsibly and contribute meaningfully to society. This responsibility assumes particular significance in a world confronted by complex and intersecting challenges – including conflict and humanitarian crises, climate change, technological disruption, widening inequality, economic uncertainty, and concerns about the strength and integrity of governance across public, private and civic institutions. These conditions place an important responsibility on universities to contribute to the development of well-rounded future leaders capable of navigating complexity and helping to shape more just, resilient and productive societies. It is within this context that the Wits Student Leadership Conference, convened by the Division of Student Affairs, creates a developmental space for students to engage critically with leadership beyond positions, titles and authority. Since its inception, the Conference has been anchored in the theme:
THEME: LEAD WITH INTEGRITY Its conceptual grounding has drawn, among other perspectives, on Merry Usman's articulation of integrity in leadership, which emphasises: Setting clear, ethical standards; Communicating with transparency and honesty; Developing a culture of trust; Taking responsibility for mistakes; Empowering and supporting others; Embracing diversity and inclusion; Leading by example; and Prioritising long-term success over short-term gains. These principles provide a useful foundation for understanding integrity in leadership. The 2026 Conference advances the conversation by asking a further question: “What does it take to uphold and act on these principles when doing so becomes difficult?”
#WitsSLC2026 #LeadWithIntegrity
2026 CONFERENCE FOCUS COURAGE AS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP Integrity becomes most meaningful when it is tested. Leadership therefore requires more than knowing or articulating one's values. It requires the judgement to navigate competing responsibilities and the courage to translate principles into responsible action, particularly when doing so may be difficult, unpopular or consequential. Courage, in this context, is not simply boldness, confrontation or fearlessness. It may be expressed through speaking when silence is easier; listening when certainty is tempting; challenging prevailing thinking; making a difficult decision; acknowledging when one is wrong; accepting accountability; or remaining grounded in principle despite pressure to abandon it. The 2026 Conference therefore explores integrity not as an abstract leadership ideal, but as something practised through choices, judgement, accountability and action.
Across the two-day programme, participants will encounter different contexts in which integrity is tested: within student leadership; across generations and sectors; in professional and institutional life; and within the civic and public leadership, in the context of the upcoming local government elections. The programme deliberately moves from principle to practice, reflection to responsibility, and ultimately commitment to action. At the centre of the Conference is a common question: “WHEN INTEGRITY IS TESTED BY COMPLEXITY, COMPETING INTERESTS AND CONSEQUENCES, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO ACT?”
#WitsSLC2026 #LeadWithIntegrity
CONFERENCE
OBJECTIVES The 2026 Wits Student Leadership Conference seeks to: Develop
students'
capacity
for
reflective
and
reflexive
leadership practice, grounded in integrity, courage and responsible judgement; Expose students to diverse leadership experiences, traditions and perspectives across generations, sectors and contexts; Strengthen students' sense-making and decision-making when navigating
complexity,
competing
interests
and
difficult
leadership choices; Encourage critical reflection on the relationship between principle, action, accountability and consequence in leadership; Centre student voices and lived experiences as an important contribution to contemporary leadership discourse; Promote a culture of constructive dialogue, critical engagement and responsible disagreement; and Challenge participants to translate Conference insights into personal commitments and responsible action within their institutions, professions, communities and wider society.
#WitsSLC2026 #LeadWithIntegrity
ABOUT
THE SESSIONS DAY 1: FRIDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2026 SESSION 1: FROM PRINCIPLE TO ACTION: THE COURAGE TO LEAD WITH INTEGRITY The opening evening establishes the central challenge of the 2026 Conference: “How does integrity move from principle to action through courage?” Values are relatively easy to profess when little is at stake. Leadership becomes more demanding when acting consistently with those values carries consequences, attracts criticism, challenges expectations or requires a difficult choice. Through the opening address, keynote and facilitated dialogue, the session explores what courage and integrity require when leadership moves beyond intention and into action. Intended Outcomes By the end of the opening session, participants should be able to: 1. Reflect on the relationship between personal values, integrity and leadership action; 2. Consider how pressure, consequence and competing interests can test a leader's principles; and 3. Recognise courage as the willingness to translate values into responsible action, rather than simply an expression of boldness or fearlessness. SESSION 2: NETWORKING EVENING The Networking Evening creates an informal space for students to connect, exchange ideas and build relationships beyond the formal Conference programme. The evening will feature exhibitions by student leaders representing a range of Student Societies, Clubs and Societies (CSOs), House Committees and Student Council structures, providing an opportunity to learn more about student leadership, initiatives and opportunities for involvement across the University. Whether you are already involved in student leadership or looking for ways to participate, the evening offers an opportunity to meet student leaders, discover campus initiatives, expand your networks and explore opportunities to get involved. Venue: Exam Halls, Robert Sobukwe Block Attendance: Open to the first 400 students Tickets to attend the networking session will be given to the first 400 students during registration
ABOUT
THE SESSIONS DAY 2: SATURDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2026 SESSION 1: THE STATE OF LEADERSHIP ON-CAMPUS – STUDENT LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE Student leadership is an important part of university life. Across Wits, student leaders represent diverse constituencies, build communities, contribute to institutional decision-making and shape the broader student experience. Behind formal positions and mandates, however, are students navigating the complex realities of leadership while simultaneously carrying academic responsibilities, personal lives and their own need for support. The State of Leadership On-Campus brings together representatives from Wits student governance structures for a candid conversation about the culture, practice and lived realities of student leadership. At the heart of the discussion is the leadership trilemma: “How to balance self, the institution and constituency, when interests do not align?” A constituency may expect its representative to support a particular position. Institutional responsibilities and processes may point elsewhere. A leader's own judgement, values or principles may lead in another direction. What does responsible representation require in these moments? Does representing a constituency always mean doing what it demands? When might leadership require the courage to disagree? The
discussion
expectations,
also
considers
collaboration,
accountability,
academic
unreasonable
balance,
wellbeing,
boundaries and the personal cost of leadership. Intended Outcomes By the end of this session, participants should be able to: 1. Recognise
the
competing
responsibilities
student
leaders
navigate between self, institution and constituency; 2. Reflect critically on the relationship between representation, accountability and independent judgement; and 3. Consider practices that support more responsible, collaborative and sustainable student leadership.
SESSION 2: AN INTERGENERATIONAL DIALOGUE – LEADERSHIP THEN, LEADERSHIP NOW Leadership does not exist outside its time. Each generation is called to lead within a particular social, political, cultural and economic context, shaped by the challenges it inherits and the possibilities it imagines. This session brings different generations and leadership traditions into conversation to consider how leadership in South Africa has evolved – from African indigenous understandings of leadership and community, through faith-based values, the struggle for liberation and the democratic transition, to contemporary forms of civic and student leadership shaped by technological advancement and changing socio-economic realities. Rather than romanticising leadership of the past or judging leadership of the present, the session creates a reciprocal exchange about what has changed, what has endured and what different generations can learn from one another. What should emerging leaders carry forward? What should they question or do differently? How have technology, social media and changing institutions reshaped leadership? And what might established generations themselves need to learn from those now coming into leadership? Intended Outcomes By the end of this session, participants should be able to: 1. Appreciate how different historical, cultural and social contexts shape approaches to leadership; 2. Identify enduring and changing ideas about courage, integrity, service and accountability across generations; and 3. Reflect on what contemporary and emerging leaders can learn from — and contribute to — different traditions of leadership.
SESSION 3: ACROSS SECTOR INSIGHTS – INTEGRITY AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP IN A COMPLEX WORLD Leadership takes different forms across sectors, but questions of integrity, judgement, accountability and responsibility cut across them all. Amid technological change, economic uncertainty, institutional complexity and shifting societal expectations, leaders increasingly make consequential
decisions
while
navigating
competing
stakeholder interests. This session brings together perspectives from different professional and societal contexts to examine how integrity is translated into practice. The conversation moves beyond idealised notions of ethical leadership to consider the realities of leading organisations, exercising professional judgement, managing competing interests and remaining accountable for difficult decisions. By bringing perspectives from across banking and investment, business, healthcare, philanthropy and the non-profit sector, economics and research, and academia into conversation, the session creates an opportunity to examine both the differences and commonalities in how responsible leadership is understood and practised across sectors. At its centre is the question: “When the environment is complex, interests are competing and consequences are significant, what does it take to lead with integrity?” Intended Outcomes By the end of this session, participants should be able to: 1. Understand
how
leadership
dilemmas
and
responsibilities manifest differently across sectors; 2. Identify common principles of integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making across professional contexts; and 3. Reflect on how leaders can navigate competing stakeholder interests without losing sight of their values and broader responsibilities.
SESSION
4:
PRINCIPLE
OR
POPULARITY?
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE COURAGE TO LEAD WITH INTEGRITY Leadership often requires navigating the tension between what is principled and what is popular. For students and emerging leaders, this tension can be particularly immediate. Leadership takes place among peers,
within
communities
to
which
leaders
themselves belong, and in environments where decisions, positions and mistakes can be publicly scrutinised in real time. This session places student voices (selected from the abstracts submitted by students) at the centre of the Conference, creating a platform for selected students to offer their own critical reflections on courage as an expression of integrity in leadership. What happens when doing what is popular conflicts with doing what one believes is right? When representing
others
conflicts
with
personal
conviction? When speaking carries consequences? Or when remaining silent is itself a leadership choice? Rather than asking students merely to describe the qualities of a good leader, the session invites them to interrogate the tensions that make integrity difficult, and therefore meaningful. Intended Outcomes By the end of this session, participants should be able to: 1. Engage
with
student
perspectives
on
contemporary leadership dilemmas; 2. Reflect
on
the
tension
between
popularity,
representation, personal conviction and principle; and 3. Consider responsibly
how
courage
when
can
leadership
personal or social consequences.
be
exercised
choices
carry
SESSION 5: LEADERSHIP DIALOGUE ON THE FUTURE OF JOHANNESBURG Johannesburg is a city of extraordinary possibility and profound complexity. It is an economic centre, a place of migration and aspiration, and a city marked by significant inequalities and persistent challenges in governance, infrastructure and service delivery. It is also experienced differently depending on where one lives, works and moves through the city. The Leadership Dialogue on the Future of Johannesburg places the Conference theme within the realities of the city Wits calls home. Bringing together political perspectives, the session considers the leadership choices required to shape a functional, inclusive and sustainable Johannesburg. Beginning with a tone-setting reflection on Johannesburg and its built environment, the conversation moves beyond diagnosing the city's challenges to examine questions of institutional capacity, accountability, public trust, competing priorities and long-term decisionmaking. At its centre is the question: “When political interests, institutional pressures and the long-term interests of Johannesburg come into conflict, what does leadership with integrity require?” The intention is to conclude not with political positioning, but with reflection on the courage, integrity and leadership choices required to shape Johannesburg's future, in line with the overall intent of the Conference. Intended Outcomes By the end of this session, participants should be able to: 1. Develop a deeper appreciation of the complexity and competing interests involved in leading a city such as Johannesburg; 2. Engage critically with different perspectives on governance, accountability and the city's long-term development; and 3. Reflect on the role of integrity, courage and long-term thinking in public leadership and decision-making.
ABOUT
THE SESSIONS CLOSING: FROM REFLECTION TO ACTION CLOSING SESSIONS: FROM REFLECTION TO ACTION The closing segment of the Conference is designed as a deliberate progression from reflection to commitment, to collective action. Having engaged with different perspectives on integrity, courage and responsible leadership throughout the Conference, participants are invited to consider what they will carry forward, what they are personally prepared to commit to, and how leadership with integrity can find expression beyond the Conference. The Conference therefore concludes not simply with closing remarks, but with three connected moments: 1. “What will we carry forward?” 2. “What are we prepared to do about it?” 3. “How do we begin turning commitment into action?”
ABOUT
THE SESSIONS CLOSING: FROM REFLECTION TO ACTION SESSION 6: CONFERENCE SYNTHESIS AND REFLECTIONS This session provides an opportunity to pause and make meaning of the conversations, perspectives and challenges encountered throughout the Conference. Rather than providing a conventional summary of individual sessions, the Programme Director will draw together recurring ideas and tensions that have emerged across the programme, reconnecting them to the Conference theme, Lead with Integrity, and the 2026 focus on courage as an expression of integrity in leadership. Participants will simultaneously be invited to contribute reflections through the Conference's online engagement platform, creating a collective picture of what delegates are taking away from the experience. Selected reflections and recurring themes will be highlighted, alongside brief contributions from participants in the room. Guiding Reflection: “After everything you have heard, challenged and reflected on during this Conference, what is one idea, question or responsibility that you will carry forward into your own leadership?” The session concludes by turning reflection towards responsibility: “If these are the lessons and questions we carry forward, what are we prepared to do about them?”
Format: Facilitated Synthesis | Digital Reflections | Reflections from the Floor Share your reflections live on the Conference's online engagement platform
ABOUT
THE SESSIONS CLOSING: FROM REFLECTION TO ACTION CLOSING SESSION: CALL TO ACTION AND LEADERSHIP PLEDGES Leadership with integrity ultimately requires more than reflection or intention; it requires the courage to translate values into action. Building from the Conference synthesis, the Dean of Student Affairs will deliver a closing call to action, challenging participants to consider how the conversations of the Conference will find practical expression in their leadership, institutions and communities. The session shifts the focus from what leaders should do to what each person in the room is personally prepared to do. Participants will be invited to make an individual leadership pledge through the Conference's online platform by completing the statement: “I COMMIT TO…” The pledges will be specific and action-oriented, reflecting something participants intend to practise, change, challenge or contribute to beyond the Conference. Selected pledges may be displayed live, creating a collective picture of the commitments emerging from the gathering. Central Challenge “In light of what you have heard, challenged and reflected on during this Conference, what will you commit to doing differently in your leadership, your institution or your community?” The session concludes with a collective affirmation of the responsibility to lead with courage and integrity beyond the Conference. Pledge: “I commit to…” Where: The Conference online platform Lead with courage. Lead with integrity.
POST-CONFERENCE
TAKE A STAND LEADERSHIP AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE POST-CONFERENCE SESSION: TAKE A STAND – LEADERSHIP AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE The 2026 Wits Student Leadership Conference concludes by moving symbolically and physically from conversation to action. Immediately following the formal proceedings inside the Great Hall, participants will proceed to the Great Hall steps for Take a Stand: Leadership Against Gender-Based Violence – a collective action affirming that leadership with integrity includes the responsibility to challenge gender-based violence, harassment, abuse and cultures of silence. Gender-based violence remains a profound challenge within South African society and university communities. This closing action therefore positions the response to GBV not only as an institutional or social responsibility, but as a leadership responsibility. Opposing GBV requires more than condemnation. It requires the courage to speak out, challenge harmful norms and behaviours, support those affected, promote safer communities and exercise responsible leadership when confronted with injustice. The action will be deliberately brief and symbolic. Participants will gather for a short framing of the purpose of the gathering, followed by a moment of reflection and a collective affirmation against genderbased violence. The gathering will conclude with a collective photograph as a visible expression of the commitment made by Conference participants. Central Message “Leadership with integrity cannot end at the doors of the Conference. It requires the courage to act when the dignity, safety and rights of others are at stake.” Venue: Great Hall Steps & Piazza When: Immediately after the formal proceedings Integrity Means Taking a Stand | Courage Is Speaking Up | Leadership Rejects Violence
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
DAY ONE | FRIDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2026 Great Hall
TIME
16:30 – 17:45
PROGRAMME
Arrival, Registration & Entertainment
SPEAKER/PERFORMER
Marimba Performance
17:45 – 17:55
Opening Musical Performance
SDASM Choir
17:55 – 18:00
Praise Poetry
Mr Zihle Zonke Bhebhe: Student, University of the Witwatersrand
18:00 – 18:05
Opening Remarks by the Programme Director
Mr Thami Pooe: Co-founder & Managing Director, Tshimong Foundation
18:05 – 18:10
Performance
Kira Attfield-Fuchs
18:10 – 18:20
Tone-Setting Address by the University Chancellor
Dr Judy Dlamini: Chancellor, University of the Witwatersrand
18:20 – 18:40
Keynote Address: From Principle to Action – The Courage to Lead with Integrity
Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC: Senior Counsel, Johannesburg Bar
18:40 – 19:10
Facilitated Dialogue on the Keynote Address
Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC Dr Judy Dlamini Ms Zara de Witt (Student) Moderator: Mr Thami Pooe
19:10 – 19:20
Vote of Thanks
Mr Jerome September: Dean of Student Affairs, University of the Witwatersrand
19:20 – 19:25
Announcements & Closure
Mr Thami Pooe: Programme Director
19:25 – 19:30
Official Conference Photograph: Capturing Leadership in Action
19:30 – 19:40
Musical Performance
Horizon Heights Choir
19:45 – 20:30
Networking Evening (Exams Hall Robert Sobukwe)
DAY TWO | SATURDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2026 Great Hall
TIME 09:00 – 09:30
PROGRAMME
SPEAKER/PERFORMER
Arrival, Registration, T-shirts & Refreshments
09:30 – 10:00
Opening Performances
Bhakti Yoga Society Harmonies of Rapha Dance @ Wits
10:00 – 10:10
Opening Address
Mr Gilbert Nchabeleng: SRC President, University of the Witwatersrand
10:10 – 10:40
Ms Mamela Nyandeni: Chair, Wits Sports Council Mr Sibusiso Mafolo: Chairperson, All Residence SubCouncil Ms Marie-Therese Eloko: Chairperson, International Students’ Sub-Council Mr Shadrack Mothadi: Secretary, Wits Postgraduate Association Mr Siphesihle Mbokane: Chairperson, Wits Student Forum Moderator: Ms Siyamthanda Mashicila, Project Assistant, Development and Leadership Unit
Roundtable: The State of Leadership On-Campus
10:40 – 10:50
Musical Performance
Ms Ntando Qangula
10:50 – 10:55
Tone-Setting: Leadership Then, Leadership Now
Ms Faith Mangope: Broadcaster & Founder, FMTALI
10:55 – 11:40
An Intergenerational Dialogue: Leadership Then, Leadership Now
Rev Dr Frank Chikane: Apartheid Activist, Chairperson of Integrity Commission Mr Mbuso Khoza: Musician & Cultural Ambassador Ms Faith Mangope: Broadcaster & Founder, FMTALI Ms Oluchi Ifenatuora (Faculty of Health Science Student Council Chairperson) Moderator: Mr Mncedisi Sindane, Host, Trendz Live (SABC)
11:50 – 11:55
Synthesis & Closing Reflections
Rev Dr Frank Chikane: Apartheid Activist, Chairperson of Integrity Commission
11:55 – 12:00
Musical Performance
Presidents of Note
12:00 – 12:10
Tone-Setting: Cross-Sector Insights
Ms Zimasa Tile CA(SA): Vice President, Standard Bank South Africa
DAY TWO | SATURDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2026 Great Hall
TIME
12:10 – 12:50
PROGRAMME
Across Sectors: Integrity and Responsible Leadership in a Complex World
SPEAKER/PERFORMER Ms Zimasa Tile CA(SA): Vice President, Standard Bank South Africa Ms Elaine Thompson: Founder & CEO, People Dynamics and Dux Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe: Founder & CEO, Quadcare Mr Xhanti Payi: Director, Inani Strategies Mr Khanyisani Mthimkhulu: Chairperson, EBE Faculty Student Council Moderator: Ms Busi Mkhumbuzi-Pooe, Founding CEO, ThinkShift
12:50 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 13:45
Performance
BaSotho Society
13:45 – 13:50
Tap Dance Performance
Mr Luke Scrase
13:50 – 14:10
Principle or Popularity? Student Perspectives on the Courage to Lead with Integrity
Student Presentations Facilitator: Mr Liyema Fandeso, Industrial Engineering Student, Wits
14:10 – 14:20
Tone-Setting: Leadership Dialogue on the Future of Johannesburg
Mr Nicholas Basson: Master’s Student in Architecture, University of the Witwatersrand
14:20 – 15:10
Leadership Dialogue on the Future of Johannesburg
Mr Herman Mashaba: President, ActionSA Mr Lukhona Mnguni: Joburg Mayoral Candidate, RISE Mzansi Mr Mangaliso Sambo: Subregional Secretary, EFF Johannesburg Region Ms Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster: Deputy President, Build One South Africa Ms Loyiso Masuku: MMC for Finance, City of Johannesburg (ANC) Moderator: Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, Founder & CEO, Futurelect
14:50 – 15:00
Reflections & Announcement of Competition Winners
15:00 – 15:15
Leadership Commitment: Pledges
15:15 – 15:30
15:30 – 16:30
Vote of Thanks
Mr Tshegofatso Mogaladi: Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, University of the Witwatersrand
Anti-GBV Candle Lighting
H O S T
DEAN: STUDENT AFFAIRS UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND Mr Jerome September is Dean of Student Affairs at the University of the Witwatersrand, serving on the Senior
MR JEROME SEPTEMBER
Executive
Team
since
2018.
He
leadership
for
student
support,
provides
strategic
development,
and
engagement, and chairs key institutional committees. In 2025, he was elected President of the South African Association of Senior Student Affairs Professionals, having served as Projects Officer (2021–2024). Previously Head of Student Affairs at Sol Plaatje University, he spent over a decade in leadership roles at the University of Cape Town, where he was SRC President in the late 1990s. September serves on the University South Africa (USAf) Strategy Group on Transformation, Council on Higher Education’s Reference Group on the Development of a Good Practise Guide on Student Engagement in Quality Assurance and Promotion in Higher Education, is a board member of the University Sports Company. September also serves in an Independent Trustee on the board of the Old Mutual Education Trust. He holds a BA and MPhil degrees from UCT and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Bath in the UK
H O S T
DEPUTY DEAN: STUDENT AFFAIRS UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND Mr Tshegofatso Mogaladi is the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
MR TSHEGOFATSO MOGALADI
He holds a Master of Commerce (MCom) degree in Development Finance from the University of Cape Town (UCT) where he is currently enrolled for a Ph.D. Tshegofatso Mogaladi is a certified Chartered Development Finance Analyst (CDFA) and a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). He previously served on the UNISARF Board of Trustees which is one of South Africa’s largest retirement funds with a sizable asset base and currently serves as ministerial council appointee at the Western TVET College (WestCol) where he is also the chairperson for the Council’s finance committee. He previously worked for various entities such as the University of South Africa, the Department of Community Safety in Gauteng, the Independent Electoral Commission as well as the Pan African Parliament.
S P E A K E R S
CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND MBChB(Natal), Diploma in Occupational Health (UFS), MBA (Wits), PGCE(Wits) DBL (UNISA), Cert. in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Stanford University) Medical
doctor
and
Doctor
of
Business
Leadership,
entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. Her doctoral thesis investigated the impact of the intersection of race, gender and
DR JUDY DLAMINI
social class in women leaders’ career progression and strategies for gender transformation, she converted her thesis to a bestseller, ‘Equal but Differentʼ. She’s Founder and Executive Chairman for Mbekani Group that has been in business for 30 years, non-executive director of SA SME Fund, an initiative between government and the private sector to create jobs and grow an inclusive economy, Chancellor of Wits University, founder of Sifiso Publishers, co-founder of Future Nation Schools and Sifiso Learning Group. She is also the founder, sponsor and chairperson of Female Academic Leaders Fellowship NPC (FALF) a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to develop a pipeline of black female academic leaders. Former Chairperson of Aspen Pharmacare Limited, the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre and the GBVF Response Fund 1.
S P E A K E R S
ADVOCATE SESI BALOYI SENIOR COUNSEL AT THE JOHANNESBURG BAR Sesi Baloyi SC is a Senior Counsel at the Johannesburg Bar and a Commissioner of the Madlanga Commission, appointed in 2025 to sit alongside the Chairperson on the panel that hears evidence. She was admitted as an attorney in 1997 and called to the Johannesburg Bar as an advocate in 2005, early in her career serving as a researcher to Justice Albie Sachs at the Constitutional Court.
ADVOCATE SESI BALOYI SC
A member of the Vmxenge Group of Advocates, she practises across administrative, constitutional, commercial, competition, construction, employment and local-government law. In 2022 President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed her to the Judicial Service Commission, where she was subsequently elected spokesperson a role that has made her one of the more public faces of judicial accountability in South Africa.
S P E A K E R S
CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR TSHIMONG FOUNDATION
Thami Pooe is a dynamic and passionate social entrepreneur and speaker with a vision for transformative change led by African youth. Growing up navigating the divide between middle-class suburbs and resource-strapped townships, he developed a deep commitment to bridging inequality. This mission has guided his leadership journey, which began with
MR THAMI POOE
student activism and competitive debating, ultimately leading him to co-found Tshimong Foundation in 2016. The foundation introduces young people to civic and democratic concepts through debating, impacting over 9,000 students to date. In 2023, Thami co-founded ThinkShift, an innovative education company that develops pedagogical models focused on teaching and assessing 21st-century skills. ThinkShift is currently running a pilot in collaboration with UNICEF and the Department of Education, training 1,000 teachers in coding and robotics to benefit 50,000 students. Thami's career is marked by numerous accolades, including being a Brand South Africa Play Your Part Ambassador, a speaker at the Serious Social Investing Conference, and an alumnus of both Brightest Young Minds and One Day Leader season 4. His leadership roots trace back to his time at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he served on the SRC, elected with the highest number of votes. His passion areas span education and youth development, entrepreneurship, philanthropy.
and
impact
through
nation-building
S P E A K E R S
APARTHEID ACTIVIST, CHAIRPERSON OF INTEGRITY COMMISSION Reverend Frank Chikane is a seminal South African theologian, anti-apartheid stalwart, and senior statesman who currently anchors the ethical wing of the ruling party as the Chairperson of the Integrity Commission. Raised in Soweto, he initially trained in science before his involvement with Steve Biko's Black Consciousness Movement led to his expulsion from university, prompting him to pivot to the ministry where he championed liberation theology. As a founding leader of the United
REV DR FRANK CHIKANE
Democratic Front (UDF) and later the General Secretary of the South
African
Council
of
Churches
(SACC)
succeeding
Desmond Tutu, his fierce resistance to minority rule made him a prime target of the regime, resulting in multiple detentions, torture,
and
a
notorious
1989
state-sponsored
chemical
assassination attempt that nearly claimed his life. Following South Africa’s democratic breakthrough, Chikane transitioned seamlessly into civil service, serving for a decade as the powerhouse Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of the Cabinet under President Thabo Mbeki, where he managed critical state operations and later authored Eight Days in September to document Mbeki's dramatic 2008 recall. Today, he remains an uncompromising moral conscience in South African public life, using his leadership position to aggressively combat corruption and state capture, while maintaining active political relevance as evidenced by his August 2026 shortlisting as an ANC mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg.
S P E A K E R S
BROADCASTER & ENTREPRENEUR METRO FM TALK | FMTALI International Award-Winning Broadcaster | Entrepreneur | Technologist | Philanthropist Faith
Mangope
is
an
internationally
recognised,
award-winning
broadcaster, entrepreneur and thought leader whose influence spans the airwaves, the boardroom and the classroom. As the host of Metro FM Talk on South Africa's largest commercial radio station, broadcasting to
MS FAITH MANGOPE
over 4 million listeners daily, she commands one of the most powerful platforms on the continent for socio-political and economic discourse. She is the Founder of the Faith Mangope Technology and Leadership Institute (FMTALI), which closes Africa's digital skills gap by equipping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with skills in data analytics, software development, artificial intelligence and cloud computing,
alongside
critical
thinking,
design
thinking
and
entrepreneurship. Every graduate is placed directly into employment: “We don't just train young people – we train, place, and change lives.” Faith was personally solicited by the White House to introduce President Barack Obama at the Mandela Washington Fellowship Town Hall, and is a Mandela Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders. She was honoured in the Mail & Guardian Power of Women Awards (2022), named among the Mail & Guardian Top 200 South Africans and the Top 100 Young South Africans, and appointed a Social Cohesion Advocate by the Department of Arts and Culture (2014). She is a faculty member at Duke University in South Africa and a member of the BRICS Business Council Skills Working Group. Her broadcasting legacy includes eNCA's The South African Morning, e.tv's Sunrise, YFM's Current Affairs Talk and executive producing flagship shows on Talk Radio 702.
S P E A K E R S
MUSICAL VISIONARY MUSICIAN & CULTURAL AMBASSADOR Mbuso Khoza is a South African musical visionary whose artistry transcends boundaries and inspires listeners worldwide. Born and raised in Eshowe, Zululand, Khoza's journey in music began at a young age, fuelled by a deep connection to his Zulu heritage and an insatiable passion for storytelling through song.
MR MBUSO KHOZA
His musical odyssey reflects the rich tapestry of South African traditions, blending the soulful harmonies of Isicathamiya, the rhythmic complexities of Amahubo and the evocative melodies of indigenous folk music. Amahubo is the mother of all the isiNguni genres: for each historical occurrence, the Zulu would compose a song to communicate their thoughts. In this way the music serves as the scroll of a nation. A true custodian of his heritage, Khoza's lyrics are poignant reflections of life's joys, sorrows and the enduring human spirit. He has graced prestigious stages across the world, captivating audiences with his emotive performances and unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating African musical traditions, while mentoring emerging talent. Beyond the stage, Khoza is a cultural ambassador and educator, working tirelessly to promote the beauty and significance of African music and heritage through academia and community engagement. As a beacon of African musical excellence, Mbuso Khoza continues to inspire, uplift and unite people through the timeless beauty of his music.
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VICE PRESIDENT STANDARD BANK SOUTH AFRICA CA(SA) | MBA Zimasa Tile is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), having obtained her BCom Accounting Degree and Honours Degree from the University of Cape Town. She holds a Master of Business Administration Degree from the Wits Business School and a Certificate in Advanced Business Strategy from the University of La Verne, California.
MS ZIMASA TILE CA(SA)
With 10 years of investment banking experience, she is a Vice President at the Standard Bank of South Africa, specialising in Project Finance in the Energy and Infrastructure Sector. She also has experience in external audit, corporate strategy as well as valuations. She excels as a humanitarian and is a member of the Standard Bank South Africa Corporate Social Investment committee. Zimasa is passionate about leadership and spends her spare time mentoring and coaching young leaders. Zimasa is a wife to Zipho and a mother to three boys, Ziyamazi, Zimvuzakhe and Zizwezonke.
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FOUNDER AND CEO PEOPLE DYNAMICS AND DUX “If serving is beneath you, leadership is beyond you - Myles Munroe” Elaine is a leadership strategist and education innovator with over 25 years of experience driving student success and performance excellence. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between learning and employability across South Africa’s
MS ELAINE THOMPSON
higher education sector. Her core drivers are: Student Development & Success Leadership Coaching Strategic Partnerships Programme Innovation Founder and CEO of Peopled Dynamics and Dux (2003), Elaine has also Co-founded ElevateED360, a shared-value ecosystem transforming student pathways to employment. Through her career she has spearheaded leadership and development programmes reaching over 15,000 students nationwide and built partnerships with key players to enhance retention and graduation outcomes. BA Psych (Hons) – University of South Africa Qualified Coach – Results Coaching systems / International Coaching Federation “My biggest professional wins? Hands down, it’s seeing my clients and students thrive and achieve what they set out to do. On the personal front, though, my proudest moments are my incredible daughters and my marriage to my best friend— he’s been my rock through it all!ˮ
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FOUNDER AND CEO QUADCARE Dr. Dulcy Rakumakoe is the founder and CEO of Quadcare. She holds a MBBCH fromWits University, Diploma in Occupational Health Diploma in HIV Management,Master of Science in Sports Science, Travel Medicine Certificate and MBA fromGordons Institute of Business Science. She has opened 13 Quadcare centres across Gauteng Province, South Africa. She is aKeynote speaker with a core focus on
DR DULCY RAKUMAKOE
women empowerment, wellness & selfcare aswell as LGBTQcommunity wellness. She is a social entrepreneur who has establishedQueerwell NPO and the Dr Dulcy Foundation. She has won numerous awards for hersocial entrepreneurship which includes the 2020 Feathers Awards Role Model of theYear, 2020 Santam Woman of The Future, 2020 Queer Warrior and 2016 SocialEntrepreneurship Regional Business Achiever. She serves as a chairperson in the Forum for the Empowerment ofWomen (FEW), and the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards aswell as an Executive Director at Queerwell NPO. Dr Dulcy has embarked on a mission of opening 100 primaryhealthcare centres with the sole mission of bridging the gap ofaffordable healthcare services in underserved communities, allwhile upholding the dignity of every individual she serves
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DIRECTOR INANI STRATEGIES Xhanti Payi is an economist, researcher, and director of Inani Strategies. A prominent voice in policy research and strategic advisory, with extensive experience advising both public and private sector organisations and leadership, he serves as Chairperson of the
MR XHANTI PAYI
Indlulamithi SA Scenarios Trust Board. His career spans banking, insurance, asset and wealth management, and strategy consulting, having worked at leading international organisations including Investec Bank, Stanlib Asset Management, Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Bank, and PwC Strategy. With training from the Universities of Cape Town, Pretoria and London, Payi is passionate about framing economic complexity into practical insights that drive development.
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MODERATOR HOST, TRENDZ LIVE (SABC) BCom (Management Accounting & Corporate Finance) | BCom Hons Business Science (Marketing), Wits Mncedisi ‘Mnce’ Sindane is a 28-year-old media personality, graduate and brand partner. He is a professional television and radio host and the current host of Trendz Live on SABC. Mncedisi holds two degrees from the University of the
MR MNCEDISI SINDANE
Witwatersrand:
a
BCom
Double
Professional
Major
(Management Accounting and Corporate Finance) and a BCom Honours Degree in Business Science majoring in Marketing. His close to 10-year media career boasts accomplishments such as winning the first ever YFM presenter search, partnerships with notable brands like Nedbank Unlocked.Me, TEDx and FNB Art Joburg, as well as influencer partnerships with Heineken and Tanqueray. More recently, Mncedisi has leapt into the world of production, taking on the role of executive producer for projects such as Fashion Meets Gospel and the very first South African Voice Over Awards. He is a tenacious bright star who lives by the words: “Keep your feet on the ground but let your heart soar like an eagle.”
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FOUNDING CEO THINKSHIFT Busi Mkhumbuzi-Pooe is a speaker and award-winning social entrepreneur whose work spans education, youth development, and the transformative power of dialogue. From her early involvement in igniting the South African chapter of the global VGirls movement to speaking on global platforms like TEDWomen and
the
World
Economic
Forum,
Busi
has
consistently
championed impactful conversations on pressing global issues.
MS BUSI MKHUMBUZI-POOE
In 2018, Busi gained international recognition as the Program Director for the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, delivered by President Barack Obama. This milestone highlighted her numerous accomplishments across prestigious stages, including the World Economic Forum on Africa, One Young World, and TEDWomen. Her expertise as a speaker extends to government, business, and impact talks, where she seeks to inspire positive change. Busi is also the founder of ThinkShift, an organization committed to developing practical tools for building and assessing 21stcentury competencies. Prior to this, she served as CEO of a grassroots foundation that fostered youth development through debate programs. Her work has been celebrated across platforms such as BRICS Academic Review, Forbes Africa, and the Standard Bank Top Women Awards. Her career includes high-profile roles such as Programme Director at the Presidential Golf Challenge and the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, as well as MC at events like the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation's 15th Anniversary Celebration and the Black Umbrella National Enterprise Awards. A graduate of the University of Cape Town, Busi's commitment to youth development and social entrepreneurship continues to shape her journey, empowering others for a brighter tomorrow.
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FOUNDER & CEO FUTURELECT Lindiwe Mazibuko is a South African public leader, writer, and advocate for youth and women’s political leadership in Africa. She was the first black South African woman elected Leader of the Official Opposition in the National Assembly and served as a Member of Parliament from 2009 to 2014. She is the Founder and CEO of Futurelect, a non-partisan nonprofit organisation dedicated to cultivating young and women political leaders and promoting civic education in Africa. A
MS LINDIWE MAZIBUKO
Harvard Kennedy School graduate, she has held fellowships at Harvard’s Institute of Politics and the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study and is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. She is also a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, the Institute for Security Studies, and the Constitution Hill Trust. Lindiwe is Deputy Chair of the Eminent Persons Group for South Africa’s National Dialogue, appointed by the President of the Republic of South Africa. A columnist for The Sunday Times, Lindiwe continues to champion ethical leadership and active citizenry across the continent.
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MASTER’S STUDENT IN ARCHITECTURE UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND Nicholas Basson is a Master’s student in Architecture at the University of the Witwatersrand. His research focuses on the design of educational spaces in dense urban contexts, with particular attention to Johannesburg's inner-city. Born and raised in Cape Town, he served a two-year mission for
MR NICHOLAS BASSON
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Auckland, New Zealand. Upon his return, he completed his Bachelor of Architecture Studies at the University of Cape Town, after which his career in design took him across architecture, furniture, luxury yachting and the surveying of government infrastructure. Looking to further his architectural training, he turned to Wits to complete the postgraduate phase of his studies. Nicholas currently serves as a first-year mentor through the Wits FYE programme. He is a founding member of the student-run initiative Student-to-Student, which focuses on helping students come together so that they may succeed together, and is a regular tutor through this programme within the Wits School of Architecture and Planning. Acclaimed
author
Professor
Adekeye
Adebajo
recently
described Nicholas as an "Afro-optimist" for his positive view on the potential of Africa and its people to build their own success. Nicholas is a humanist, with a strong interest in how architecture can better serve people, especially in urban environments.
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PRESIDENT ACTIONSA Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration (CUT) Herman Mashaba grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Pretoria during the dark days of apartheid South Africa. Having lost his father at the age of two, he embraced independence early in life. When his studies were interrupted by state security forces during the struggle against apartheid, he decided to
MR HERMAN MASHABA
pursue a career as an entrepreneur instead. Over the ensuing decades he built a business empire that included companies in the cosmetics, construction, real estate, retail, energy and financial services fields. His success earned him an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the Central University of Technology in 2013. During this time, he also chaired the Free Market Foundation. In the historic election of 2016, Mashaba was elected Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, leading a 7-party coalition government with a mandate for change. He served for three years, receiving acclaim for his hands-on approach to service delivery, innovative partnerships with the private sector, and zerotolerance for corruption and maladministration. In October 2019 Mashaba resigned from the Mayoralty and launched The People’s Dialogue, a platform to engage South Africans about the solutions required to fix the country. Inspired by the submissions, in August 2020 he launched ActionSA – a new, solutions-oriented political party aimed at building a nonracial, prosperous, safe and just South Africa for all its residents.
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JOBURG MAYORAL CANDIDATE RISE MZANSI Governance Specialist | Public Intellectual | Broadcaster Lukhona Afika Mnguni is a respected South African governance, politics and development specialist who shapes public discourse through academic research, media broadcasting and civil society leadership. Originally from Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape, the 36-year-old is also a father to a 5-year-old son. Like many Joburg residents, he arrived on a
MR LUKHONA MNGUNI
bus with just a bag and a dream, and has called the City of Gold home since 2007. He has served as a Lecturer in International Relations and Political Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), a PhD Intern Research Fellow and Research Manager at the Maurice Webb Race Relations Unit, and a Lead Researcher Consultant for Good Governance Africa. A sought-after facilitator, he has led national strategic sessions for the South African Human Rights Commission, the Financial and Fiscal Commission and the Presidency's Green Hydrogen Summit. He co-founded the Rivonia Circle, serving as Director and Head of Policy and Research, and sits on the boards of Oxfam South Africa, the Democracy Development Program and the McCord Trust. He has hosted #ontheSPOT on eNCA/eTV and Power Talk on POWER987, and published nearly 300 articles, book chapters and research reports. A Commonwealth Scholar, he holds an MSc in Africa and International Development from the University of Edinburgh, and Honours (cum laude) and Bachelor's (cum laude) degrees from UKZN, where he is a PhD Candidate in Political Science. He is an Open Society Foundation South Africa Democracy Fellow and an IVLP alumnus.
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DEPUTY PRESIDENT BUILD ONE SOUTH AFRICA (BOSA) BPhil (Honours) | MPhil Inclusive Innovation candidate, UCT Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster is a Member of Parliament, Co-Founder and Deputy President of Build One South Africa (BOSA), and Founder of the South African Women’s Commission. Her career has been defined by building institutions, developing people and advancing economic transformation.
MS NOBUNTU HLAZO-WEBSTER
With more than two decades of leadership across business, civil society and
public
service,
she
has
served
as
Chairperson
of
the
Businesswomen’s Association in Gauteng, the inaugural President of the International Womenʼs Forum South Africa Youth Chapter, and Chairperson and Secretary-General of the KZN Chamber of Commerce. Her conviction is simple: South Africaʼs future depends on capable institutions that work for people, enterprise and future generations. Before entering Parliament, she spent 15 years in business, building her own
ventures
and
consulting
to
multinationals,
municipalities,
development finance institutions and government departments. That experience shapes her belief that economic growth and social development reinforce each other when leadership and institutions are capable. Her leadership began in student politics and public advocacy. She has since earned a reputation as a coalition builder: steady in uncertainty, able to bring diverse stakeholders around a shared vision, and equipped with strategic insight and practical determination. She holds a BPhil (Honours) degree and is pursuing an MPhil in Inclusive Innovation at the University of Cape Town.
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MEMBER OF THE MAYORAL COMMITTEE (MMC) FOR FINANCE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Cllr Loyiso Masuku is a South African political leader and public servant with extensive experience in local government, public administration and organisational leadership. She currently serves as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance in the City of Johannesburg and is the Regional
MS LOYISO MASUKU
Chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in Greater Johannesburg, becoming the first woman elected to lead the region. Her leadership journey began in student activism, where she was involved in the South African Students Congress (SASCO), before progressing through various leadership structures of the ANC Youth League and ANC Women’s League. Her career in government has included roles within the City of Ekurhuleni and the Gauteng Provincial Government, as well as several senior political leadership responsibilities in the City of Johannesburg. Prior to assuming the Finance portfolio, Cllr Masuku served as Johannesburg’s MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services, where her responsibilities included strengthening institutional governance,
administrative
stability
and
organisational
effectiveness. In her current portfolio, she provides political oversight of the City’s financial governance, fiscal management and revenue priorities. With a career spanning student activism, political organisation and municipal governance, Cllr Masuku brings to conversations on leadership a perspective grounded in public service, institutional accountability and the complexities of leading within a dynamic urban environment.
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SUBREGIONAL SECRETARY EFF JOHANNESBURG REGION Student, University of the Witwatersrand Mangaliso Sambo is a South African political activist, student leader
and
organisational
builder,
currently
serving
as
Subregional Secretary in the Johannesburg Region of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). He is also a student at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he has been actively
MR MANGALISO SAMBO
involved in student politics and transformation programmes. From 2017 to 2019 he served as National Spokesperson of the EFF Student Command (EFFSC), representing student interests in national media, communicating policy on higher education, NSFAS and student welfare, and mobilising student campaigns across more than 10 campuses nationwide. In his current role (2025–present) he coordinates subregional political programmes and campaigns, strengthens branches, oversees
political
education
and
supports
electoral
and
community mobilisation – including outreach initiatives that have reached more than 1,000 residents. His activism since 2013 spans student funding access, accommodation and academic inclusion at Wits, as well as community campaigns on mining community struggles, youth unemployment and inequality in service delivery. He represents a new generation of politically conscious and organisationally grounded leadership, committed to economic freedom, social justice and youth empowerment in South Africa.
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3RD YEAR LLB STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND. Zara de Witt is a 3rd year LLB student at the University of the Witwatersrand. A servant leader at heart, Zara has been actively involved in various leadership roles throughout her university journey. In her second year, she served on the Wits BLASC Academic and Legal Research Subcommittee and the Wits Moot Court Internal
MS ZARA DE WITT
Competitions Subcommittee. Building on this foundation, she continued her commitment to the student community through the Wits Moot Court Chairperson Subcommittee and the Law Students' Council Vice Chairperson Subcommittee, where she serves as Head of Subcommittee. She has recently been elected as Secretary of the Golden Key Society Executive Committee for the 2026/27 term. An all-rounded student, Zara places the student community at the centre of all she does. She is deeply invested in continuous development work through the Wits Graduate Recruitment Programme (GRP), as well as mentorship and tutoring in both the university and private space Driven by integrity, accountability, empathy, and determination values that echo through all her endeavours - Zara aspires to enter the corporate legal space. Like many in her cohort, she is passionate about making the industry more accessible and is not afraid to grapple with the complexities that arise where passion meets profession - the very conversation this conference seeks to advance.
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FINAL-YEAR BACHELOR OF NURSING STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND Oluchi Ifenatuora is a final-year Bachelor of Nursing student at the University of the Witwatersrand, driven by a deep passion for emergency healthcare, clinical advocacy, and healthcare service delivery. Hailing from East London in the Eastern Cape, Oluchi made a distinct promise to herself before accepting her application to Wits University that she would leave with far more than just her degree. She earned a place on the Dean’s Merit List
MS OLUCHI IFENATUORA
in her first year placing her in the upper percentile of her school. Oluchi recently achieved a 100% mark for her research study component which examines dermatological representation of darker skin tones and its impact on students ability to diagnose. An accomplished student leader, Oluchi was awarded Most Outstanding House Committee Member of the Year in 2025 at the Student Leadership Awards during her tenure as Academic Officer at Girton Hall Residence. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Nursing Student Council (NSC) where her council launched the first-ever Nursing Career Day in the history of the NSC. She also serves as the Chairperson of the Faculty of Health Sciences Student Council (HSSC), making history as one of the first few non-medical student to hold this faculty executive chair
position.
From
spearheading
academic
exclusion
workshops to chairing a council that established the inaugural Wits x UCT Health Science Leadership Exchange Programme, Oluchi’s journey reflects her conviction that the current generation of student leaders holds a defining responsibility to move beyond occupying an office; leading with virtue, restoring student dignity and creating a transformative precedent for future leaders to come.
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CHAIRPERSON EBE FACULTY STUDENT COUNCIL, WITS Mechanical Engineering student, Wits Khanyisani Mthimkhulu is a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of the Witwatersrand, who currently serves as the Chairperson of both the Engineering and the Built Environment Faculty Student Council and the Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering (MIA) School Student Council.
MR KHANYISANI MTHIMKHULU
His leadership has long been defined by a commitment to doing the work that no one sees but holds the most impact – representing students in rooms where academic futures are decided, restoring impactful student representation across all seven engineering disciplines of the faculty and building systems that outlast him. He helped establish the EBE Full Plate Project, supported the MIA CAD Bootcamps that secured a R4 million SolidWorks training pathway for 200 Engineering students and launched the Stitching Wellness initiative. As a Peer Volunteer in the Academic Development Unit’s EBEILAD Programme, he co-founded the Own Your Voice – Journey to Confidence programme, which has helped over 200 engineering
students
develop
their
public
speaking
and
presentation skills. His commitment to community development includes tutoring over 100 learners from under-resourced high schools through the Khanyisa Outreach Programme. He is the recipient of the 2025 EBEILAD Student Leader of the Year and Coordinator of the Year Awards.
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INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND Liyema Fandeso is a student entrepreneur, speaker, and Industrial Engineering student at Wits University. He is the founder of Leeway Group, the parent company behind TutorHQ — a dynamic student-experience venture that bridges the gap between tertiary talent and school-level academic achievement. What started as a solo tutoring side-hustle across the Northern
MR LIYEMA FANDESO
Suburbs of Johannesburg quickly evolved as Liyema noticed a critical gap: learners were not just struggling with Maths and Science formulas; they were missing relatable mentors who made learning click. Applying an engineering mindset to scale the solution, he built TutorHQ to solve two challenges at once: creating
exible
employment for top university students while delivering peer-led STEM mentorship to primary and high school learners. Beyond business, Liyema is an accomplished public speaker and
formal
events
host
whose
educational
philosophy
challenges conventional rote learning. He champions relational education — the belief that genuine mastery happens when students stop chasing external validation and start developing the cognitive tools, curiosity, and confidence to own their academic journeys.
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CHAIRPERSON: ISSC INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ SUB-COUNCIL BSc Civil Engineering | 4th Year Marie-Therese Eloko is a fourth-year BSc Civil Engineering student at the University of the Witwatersrand and the Chairperson of the International Students’ Sub-Council (ISSC).
MS MARIE-THERESE ELOKO
SECRETARY: PGA WITS POSTGRADUATE ASSOCIATION MSc Civil Engineering candidate, Wits Shadrack Mothadi is a Master of Science in Civil Engineering candidate at the University of the Witwatersrand and the Secretary of the Wits Postgraduate Association (PGA) for the 2025/26 term, an SRC Postgraduate Representative. He previously served as the PGA's Treasurer. He believes in strong,
MR SHADRACK MOTHADI
selfless and well-informed student representation and activism.
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CHAIRPERSON: ARSC ALL RESIDENCE SUB-COUNCIL BCom (Accounting), Wits | LLB candidate, Wits Sibusiso Mafolo is a third year LLB student at the University of the Witwatersrand and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the
Wits
Margo
Steele
School
of
Accountancy,
bringing
an
interdisciplinary foundation in Accounting and Law to his academic and leadership work. He currently serves as Vice-Chairperson of Noswal
MR SIBUSISO MAFOLO
Hall, Chairperson of the All Residence Sub-Council (ARSC), and as an ex officio member of the Wits Students’ Representative Council (SRC). His previous leadership includes clubs, society, schools and professional student-organisation leadership, with extensive experience spanning student representation, residence governance, student development, academic support and institutional engagement. His approach to student leadership is informed by Student Development Theory and the understanding that residence environments are important sites for learning, personal growth and responsible citizenship beyond the classroom. His thinking draws particularly on Astin’s Theory of Student Involvement, Tintoʼs Theory of Student Integration, Chickeringʼs Seven Vectors of Identity Development, and Community Development Theory. He views university residences not merely as places of accommodation, but as living-learning communities that can contribute to academic success, leadership development, belonging, wellbeing, social cohesion and responsible citizenship. His leadership interests therefore extend beyond formal representation to questions of how student leaders exercise judgement, remain accountable to those they represent, and navigate competing interests while maintaining principled leadership. His academic research interests include constitutional law, human rights, jurisprudence, delict and institutional governance.
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CHAIRPERSON: STUDENT FORUM UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND Activist | Educator | Student Leader Siphesihle Mbokane is an activist, educator and student leader committed to advancing student interests. He began his activist journey at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he emerged as a prominent student leader through his involvement in the South African Students Congress (SASCO). Siphesihle served as the Chairperson of SASCO Education at
MR SIPHESIHLE MBOKANE
Wits for two terms, demonstrating sustained leadership and commitment to student activism. During his terms there were many developments within the School of Education aimed at improving the school. He also served on the Wits Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Academic Office Subcommittee 24/25, where he participated in discussions and initiatives focused on studentsʼ academic experiences and interests. In 2026, Siphesihle serves as the Chairperson of the Wits Student Forum, where he continues to engage with students and champion issues affecting the student community. Recognising the many challenges students face within the university, as Chairperson of the Student Forum he engages with other student leaders across the university to hold them accountable and keep track of their progress. His leadership journey reflects a commitment to education, social transformation and building a more inclusive university environment.
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PROJECT ASSISTANT UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND
MA Theatre and Performance candidate, Wits Siyamthanda Mashicila is currently a project assistant at the Development and Leadership Unit while simultaneously pursuing her Master of Arts in Theatre and Performance at the University of the Witwatersrand.
MS SIYAMTHANDA MASHICILA
Her leadership journey is deeply rooted in her passion for student development and advocacy. As the Wits SRC Student Development and Support Officer for 2024, Siyamthanda spearheaded
numerous
initiatives,
including
career
fairs,
mentorship programmes and academic development projects. She has played a pivotal role in supporting students through initiatives such as stationery drives for high school learners and the WorkReady Gen-Z online course in collaboration with the Career Counselling and Development Unit (CCDU). In addition, Siyamthanda was selected to travel to China on leadership merit, where she engaged in cross-cultural exchanges that deepened her understanding of global politics, literature and storytelling. Siyamthanda's commitment to community engagement extends beyond the university. She has been a speaker at career expos and high school outreach programmes, using her platform to inspire and empower young learners to prioritise education. With ambitions to further her studies at PhD level, Siyamthanda is committed to shaping the future of theatre through academic research, cross-cultural storytelling and leadership – ensuring that theatre remains a powerful tool for social change and political discourse.
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SRC PRESIDENT UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND. Nchabeleng Gilbert is the SRC President of the University of the Witwatersrand and a PhD candidate in the humanities. He holds two MA degrees with distinction in English Literature and African Literature and is a recipient of the Wits Postgraduate Merit Award. He previously served as an Executive Committee Member of the Wits Postgraduate Association, where he was actively involved in postgraduate governance and advocacy.
MR GILBERT NCHABELENG
A former junior researcher in the Bureau of and at the PanAfrican Parliament and an archival researcher in the Department of African Literature at Wits University, his academic and intellectual work is grounded in rigorous interdisciplinary scholarship. His writing engages critically with political economy, migration, inequality, and post-apartheid governance, with a sustained commitment to African solidarity and the interrogation of structural contradictions shaping contemporary South Africa. He is particularly invested in questions of African solidarity, social
justice,
and
the
intellectual
emancipatory politics in the Global South.
project
of
rethinking
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CHAIR: WITS SPORTS COUNCIL UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND BA Honours (Film and Television) Mamela Nyandeni is a versatile leader, creative, and advocate passionate about sports, the entertainment industry, youth empowerment, and leadership development. A skilled writer, singer, and performer, she currently serves as the Head of Department (HOD) for Sports, Arts, and Culture at the South
MS MAMELA NYANDENI
African Youth Affairs non-profit organisation, as well as an Administrative Assistant for the Save SA Film Jobs Coalition, advocating for key amendments to the DTIC rebate system. Her
extensive
background
in
student
governance
and
organisational leadership includes: Wits Sports Council (WSC) – Chair (2026), Vice Chair (2025) and Gender & Transformation Officer (2024); Volleyball Club – Chairperson for three years (2023–2025); and Wits School of Arts (WSOA) – School Council Representative. Mamela holds a BA Honours in Film and Television and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Cultural Policy and Management alongside a qualification in Generic Management.
A Division of Student Affairs