Etienne Joseph

“You are a student before you are a student leader,” says soaring eagle Etienne Joseph, the Faculty of Humanities’ Marketing and Public Relations Officer on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, who uses his voice for those who are silenced.

As a people’s person who loves to interact with other people as well as lending a help hand whenever he can, Etienne joined the Humanities Academic Student Chapter which was the perfect opportunity to help people while learning.

Through family support and external inspiration Etienne went into leadership. His surroundings and seeing the needs of his fellow students played an important part but believing in himself pushed him harder. He lives by the quote of Jewish scholar Hillel: “If not you, then who? If not now, when?”

Gomolemo Sejake

“The youth have the power to make big changes within the country, I believe that they just need to be given the platform to make a change and they will make massive changes. They have the voice, they just need the platform,” says Gomolemo Sejake, the Golden Key Chairperson on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, who believes leadership is about leaving a legacy as a difference-maker.
Gomolemo became a student leader to advocate for students, grow her leadership skills and explore if she can work well with different personalities. “I get to meet people in management and address issues that we as young people are facing. I am able to make the management see that as the youth we need this in order to succeed.”
She, however, has learnt that not everything needs a fight. If given the chance to be a leader, she advises fellow #NWUEagles to run with it.
“Don’t look back, you need to be emotionally intelligent. Don’t let little things wear you down, but also remember that you are a student before you are a student leader so never compromise your studies for leadership.”

Oyama Mgoduka

Oyama Mgoduka, the Students’ Representative Council: Marketing and Public Relations Officer on the Mahikeng Campus, became a student leader because he believed that real-word experience is the best method to develop vital soft skills and his leadership abilities.

Education, Oyama believes, is critical to global development and the betterment of young people’s lives.

“The North-West University provides an opportunity to address the challenges that matter most to young people by offering programmes that focus on positive youth development, education, and training.  

Through our student leadership programmes, students have the opportunity to participate in community development projects, volunteer work, and leadership training. These experiences help to build our self-confidence, resilience, and social skills, which are essential for success in both personal and professional settings. Students overcome the challenges they face and achieve their goals.”   

Precious Zamisa

This position at the North-West University gives Precious the opportunity to address various issues that matter most to young people, such as access to quality education, mental health support, campus safety, social justice, diversity and inclusion, and environmental sustainability. With role models such as Nelson Mandela, Thuli Madonsela, Greta Thunberg, and Malala Yousafzai, it’s no surprise that she wants to influence policies, organize events and initiatives, and collaborate with academic and administrative staff to create a positive and supportive environment for students.

“It is important to find a role model who resonates with one’s values and aspirations and to learn from their experiences and wisdom.”
Precious believes the youth play a crucial role in shaping the future of South Africa. “They comprise a significant portion of the population and will inherit the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. They have the power to effect change by engaging in civic activities, voicing their opinions, being informed and proactive citizens, and contributing to the development of the country.”

Remothabetse Moren Lekgoro

Remothabetse Moren Lekgoro is an aspiring legal practitioner and the Golden Key President 2022/23 who believes that the youth want to “shape the world they will inherit”.

She believes kindness and service to other are key elements to making a difference. Remothabetse started her journey as an NWU student leader due to an ever-growing passion for helping people succeed.

Whether it’s supporting and guiding her fellow students during their transition to university life or advising them on taking care of their physical and mental health, her leadership roles extend further than helping her fellow #NWUEagles succeed academically.
“Our youth can develop personally and increase their contribution to social progress by serving others. By ‘serving’ the youth must identify a gap/challenge and aspire to bring change to the identified challenge through innovation, creative thinking, and unique ways.”

Sekgobela Kgopotso

“Our actions lead to what will become of South Africa tomorrow,” says Sekgobela Kgopotso, Primarius of C12 and President of the Debating Union.

Sekgobela believes he is a leader at heart. When he became an NWU Eagle, he saw different NWU student leaders and aspired to become one of them. Following his love of public speaking and debate, he applied to serve at the NWU Debating Union because he wanted to showcase his leadership skills.

The youth, Sekgobela believes, plays an important role in taking the country where we want it. He cites the youth of 1976 and how they contributed to what we have today, in terms of education. “I believe that we have the very same power in shaping South Africa.”

Tarren Fontuin

Meet NWU Eagle Tarren Fontuin, SCC Sports Officer 2022/2023 and ASC Chairperson 2022/2023 on the Mahikeng Campus.

She became a student leader because she enjoys helping students and exposing students to the remarkable opportunities that the North-West University has to offer.

Her role as a student leader allows her to voice students’ challenges and concerns to the university management. “Not only voicing out the challenges but also finding solutions with the students that can work in our favour and making sure these solutions are implemented.”

“Make sure you do what you are supposed to do,” is Tarren’s advice to the #NWUEagles who aspire to become student leaders. “We all have a lot to offer.”

Yikumba Andreas

Becoming an NWU student leader was a journey of inspiration and growth for Yikumba Andreas. It all began when he attended the first-year prestige camp hosted by the SCC: Sports Officer and was exposed to various leadership structures within the university and learned about their roles. This experience ignited his interest in student leadership.

“In 2019, I served on the junior subcommittee of SCC: Sports and Recreation and was later elected to the SCC: Sports and Recreation Executive Committee with the portfolio of Rugby. In the following term, I joined the House Committee of Over De Voor Men’s Residence, responsible for Big Sports. Motivated by my experiences, I decided to run for the Students’ Campus Council and was elected for the term 2021/2022. At the end of that term, I took a leap of faith and ran for Students’ Campus Council Chairperson on the Potchefstroom Campus for the term 2022/2023.”

Yikumba embarked on this journey because he wanted to be a voice for students who felt unheard or were struggling to make themselves heard. “My goal was to represent all students and ensure that student life would be a shared experience for those residing on and off campus.”

The SCC has provided a platform for private students to participate in activities, making student life inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

Asanda Ngadlela

Asanda Ngadlel, Legal officer of the Faculty of Humanities on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, participated in events and became a student leader to try to fill the gap he saw while being present as a student.

As a legal officer of the Faculty of Humanities, Asanda ensures the students abide by the school constitution to minimize the risk of finding themselves on the other side of the values of the school. He also assists students in achieving academic excellence.

The aim of student leaders, Asanda believes, is to help students no matter what. “That will keep you going because leadership is not easy. It’s definitely not for the weak. It needs resilience.”

Cole Marz

In the bustling halls of the NWU, there is a soaring eagle, who is making a significant impact on campus and beyond. Cole Marz is a remarkable student. He started his journey in 2021 when he became visible to the public eye as an active student leader at the Dr. James Moroka Residence on the Mahikeng Campus.  He actively jumped at every opportunity provided by the university.

“Since, I was being active in all events and sporting codes everyone knew about me, and it pushed me further to become a student leader.”

He became a student leader to encourage and support NWU students, while showing them multiple opportunities offered by the NWU to help them discover their hidden talents and the success of hard work. He encourages fellow students to act, responsibility and make a difference in the world around them.

“The only person who can stop you from doing anything is YOURSELF.”

Ella Mogashoa

Ella Mogashoa, the Acting Chairperson and Deputy-Chairperson of the Mahikeng Campus Students’ Representative Council (SCC), became a student leader because of the SCC leaders that served while she was a first year.

“My friends and I had a few challenges with securing accommodation and the SCC was very helpful and understanding. We would constantly go to the SCC offices to ask for help and at some point I really think we bothered them but they were still polite.”

That’s when she discovered the need to serve and assist other students in their daily challenges.

What is her advice for students who want to be student leaders? Ella believes students should recognise where there is a need or reason to lead, and then take that upon themselves. They should lead in all spaces they occupy, for example: excel academically, assist those who perform worse, communicate opportunities to other young people, and advocate for right deeds even when no one is watching.

Franklin Kriel

“In my first year when I was selected to attend the Junior Prestige Camp and had the opportunity to interact with SCC members, I knew I wanted to become a student leader,” says Franklin Kriel, the Students’ Interest and Development Officer on the Potchefstroom Campus Students’ Campus Council.

His journey to leadership also started in his first year when Franklin began serving on various subcommittees in the SCC and in his residence. He went on to become a member of the Sports executive committee, then vice-chairperson, and presently a member of the SRC and SCC.

Franklin believes that the space of higher education ought to be more readily accessible to young people. “To guarantee that we build an inclusive and safer society for everyone in South Africa, we should take cognisance of the mistakes committed by our predecessors and ensure that we better the lives of the vulnerable.”

Carla Joubert

“Don’t ever think that you are not good or skilled enough to make a difference. ‘Big things often have small beginnings’,” says Carla Joubert, the Fundraising and RAG Officer on the Potchefstroom Campus Students’ Campus Council. Carla names her grandpa, Nico Vlok, as her role model. Her NWU leadership journey began in 2020/2021 when she was chosen to serve on her residence’s house committee.

“It was special for me to be able to be part of something bigger than myself and to be able to use my leadership talents at the same time. I really witnessed for the first time how much work and effort goes into our unique student life here on campus. Before my term ended, I already knew I wanted to continue shaping our student life, and then in 2021/2022, I was on the Portfolio Committee for Fundraising and RAG.”

Through these experiences, Carla discovered the benefits of cooperation, diversity, and teamwork. She started to see herself as a skilled leader who is proactive and thrives on new challenges. After her term on the portfolio committee, she only had one dream left – shaping her love of the NWU's student life through her role as the SCC: Fundraising and RAG (Reach Out and Give) Chairperson.

Carla believes that the youth can create a better society by contributing their ideas, creativity, and unlimited enthusiasm. “Young people have a lot of optimism, and they are creative problem-solvers with big potential to bring about constructive social change in the world.”