The Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Camp, led by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr. Buti Manamela, and supported by Ms. Thembisa Futshane, DDG responsible for CET colleges, Ms. Nolwazi Gasa, DDG responsible for Planning, Policy, and Strategy, and HIGHER HEALTH CEO, Dr (Prof) Ramneek Ahluwalia, highlights the importance of South African history, the constitution, leadership, and entrepreneurial and innovation skills.
The aim of this initiative was to empower students with the necessary tools and skills to tackle various societal challenges that they encounter in their daily lives.
April was nominated through his hard work as a peer educator at UMP. He formed part of a group of 120 students from different universities, TVETs and CETs across South Africa who all participated in the five-day inaugural camp, which was hosted on Robben Island, one South Africa’s most historic sites.
Born and bred in the Eastern Cape, April enjoys his role as a peer educator at UMP, a role which he says has helped him to reach new heights. “Being a peer educator has helped me to better myself and to push my limits. I have done things I never believed I would be able to do. I have met some rather extraordinary people along my journey, one of which was the Minister of Higher Education. This entire experience has changed my life in the best way possible.”
- The leadership camp, he said, covered a range of topics including:
- The historical and global significance of Robben Island and the legacies around it
- Entrepreneurship
- 4IR and the future of work
- Culture and Consciousness
- The scrouge of Gender Based Violence and Femicide
- Mental health and student wellbeing
- Civic values and volunteerism
- Social cohesion and inclusivity
The camp featured a diverse line-up of speakers who covered a wide range of topics. Among the invited speakers were Professor Andre Odendaal, DJ Olwethu, Mr. Alex Qunta (the manager at The Small Enterprise Development Agency), Ms. Zikhona Valela (a historian and writer), and Ms. Luigia Nicholas (a disability advocate). Other experts in their respective fields also shared their insights, making for a thought-provoking and enlightening experience for all attendees.
The camped kicked off with a hiking excursion up Lion's Head, which was the perfect team-building exercise for the students who came from all across the country.
Describing the camp, April said, “I see this as the provision of information and learning experiences that will help me to empower myself and furthermore equip other people.”
“I also believe it’s important for a country to share similar civic values, mainly because if they do it ensures the smooth running of society. This initiative has been very interesting because now you see the genuine attempt of governments in underdeveloped or even developing countries.”
Grateful to UMP for being the catalyst for opportunities like these, he says, “My journey in UMP has been very unique and has presented beautiful opportunities. I wouldn’t change anything it is not so long ago a met a gift from God who changed the trajectory of my life entirely and exposed me to opportunities which mainly was being a peer educator.”
On what he learnt during the camp, he says, “As a peer educator I will be able to advocate on these points because I see so much potential in my colleagues and their abilities. The next best thing is to be able to be a guiding hand for them to show them the path.”
April describes himself as an individual who prides himself with the ability to accurately assess a space and immediately start looking for opportunities.
“To add value but, more importantly, to listen because a person is only an extension of their ability to receive and understand information - not so much what they know because as humans we are not all-knowing and life is the greatest teacher.”
He explained that his plan for moving forward at UMP is to raise awareness among his fellow students and put into practice the valuable lessons he learned at the camp.
The camp, which was hailed a success, was the first of its kind, with a second being planned for later in the year. Deputy Minister Manamela commented, “It was a learning experience for all of us […] These young people, across the gender, racial and political spectrum, left the island on Sunday with the resolve that their vision is to work for the South Africa of their dreams.”
@ Story by Mahudi Molapo. Pictures supplied.