Student Leadership Summit 2024

Prof Bismark Tyobeka currently serves as Vice-Chancellor of North-West University (NWU), South Africa. Formerly the CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator and has over two decades of experience in nuclear sciences and engineering. He began his career at Eskom Enterprises, progressing through roles such as Senior Physicist and Chief Nuclear Engineering Analyst, before becoming a Nuclear Engineer at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He has held numerous prestigious positions, including:

• Chairperson of NWU Council
• Member of the International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group
• Chairman of the Regulatory Cooperation Forum under IAEA
• President of the 6th Review Meeting of the Joint Convention on Safety of Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management

Prof Tyobeka is also an Extraordinary Professor at the Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology and an Extraordinary Professor of Nuclear Engineering at NWU. He is also Chairperson of the Nuclear Missile and Dual-Use Committee of the Council for Non-Proliferation for Nuclear and Biological Weapons of the South African Government and the Chairperson of the Funding Strategy Group of Universities South Africa (USAf), a body comprising all 26 public universities in South Africa.

Prof Tyobeka holds multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. The French Republic recently awarded him the National Order of Merit and serves as an Adjunct Professor at North Carolina State University.

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu obtained his undergraduate and Honours degrees from the then University of Durban-Westville (now UKZN); completed 2 Masters' degrees (University of Bristol, UK, and at State University of New York at Buffalo, USA); and a Ph.D. (University of Pretoria, SA). He has received further training from the United Nation University (Japan), the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (India) and the Galilee International Management Institute (Israel).

He has been a student leader, tutor, Research Assistant, Lecturer, Acting Head: Academic Department, Head of Residence, and Head of Support Services. Prof Chalufu has served as Head of Student Development; Head of Student Affairs; Executive Director: Student Services; Dean of Students; and Executive Director: Student Affairs and Regional Services.

He is currently the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Vanderbijlpark Campus Operations and Executive Director: Student Life & Transformation; and appointed Associate Professor in the Faculty of Humanities, North-West University. Prof Chalufu is part of the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice’s (JSARP) Editorial Board for the 2024-2027 period.

In 2019, he was elected as the President of the South African Association of Senior Student Affairs Professional (SAASSAP). He currently serves on the Central Applications Office (CAO) Board as the Deputy Chairperson of the Board; and on the Transformation Strategy Group of Universities South Africa (USAf).

He has been part of various research projects including a project led by Prof Tony Bush from the University of Warwick, UK and one led by Prof Jonathan Jansen the then Dean at the University of Pretoria. The latter project resulted in the first book on mergers in higher education in Africa, where Sibusiso contributed a chapter. He has contributed a chapter in the 2018 book on the Fees Must Fall era; co-authored an article in the CHE Kagisano 12 Journal (2020); and further coauthored an article published in the Journal of Student Affairs in Africa (2022). Recently, in collaboration with colleagues, he contributed a journal article as part of the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) project called New Directions for Student Services: Towards Professionalization of Student Affairs Across the Globe (2023).

He is a member of Bayoom Hub (BOH), an international non-profit social enterprise which works as a teaching tool and partnership to guide and support communities through increasing layers of ability to analyse dynamic problems and find solutions that work within local circumstances.

It is my great pleasure to introduce our distinguished speaker, Professor Mala Singh, who will address us today on the topic, The Change Agent Within.

Professor Singh currently serves as Executive Director for People and Culture and is also a Commissioner within the South African Police Service. She is widely recognized for her expertise in leadership, with a strong academic foundation that includes a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Her research interests span leadership, coaching, and organizational transformation, positioning her as a transformational leader.

With over four decades of experience, Professor Singh has consistently pushed the boundaries of leadership, guiding individuals and organizations through times of change and uncertainty. Her deep understanding of the human element in leadership allows her to foster a mindset that embraces change, equipping teams and individuals with the tools to navigate transitions confidently.

Today, Professor Singh will share valuable strategies for guiding teams through periods of uncertainty, focusing on how to cultivate resilience not just at the individual and team levels but also across entire organizations, including student leadership structures. Her insights will shed light on how to lead with agility, adaptability, and a forward-thinking mindset in our ever-evolving world.

Known for her engaging speaking style and her ability to connect with audiences through storytelling, we are privileged to benefit from Professor Singh's wealth of knowledge and experience.

We are honored to welcome her as she shares with us the wisdom and practical insights needed to activate The Change Agent Within.

With over two decades of expertise in psychological services, counselling, and leadership development, Dr. Corrie Rheeder has carved a niche for herself in both student life and public service. Serving as a Psychologist and the Director of Student Life at the North-West University's Potchefstroom Campus, she holds a pivotal role in cultivating a plethora of skills, abilities and experience that complements the holistic developmental journey of students and staff.

Dr. Rheeder's early years were marked by her dedication to psychological services within the South African Police Service (SAPS). For nearly 19 years, she wore many hats — from a Hostage and Suicide Negotiator to a Provincial Head of Psychological Services. Her contributions were recognized in 2005 when she was bestowed with the title of 'Hostage and Suicide Negotiator of the Year' in Limpopo Province.

Her thirst for addressing psycho-social challenges culminated in a PhD in Education Psychology. Her studies related to first year student’s depictions of alcohol consumption which led her to develop a comprehensive alcohol expectancy challenge programme for students. In her most recent publication, in collaboration with the Executive Director: Student Life, Dr. Sibusiso Chalufu, she offers insights into student behaviour and the critical role of psycho-social support interventions.

Renowned for her skills in governance and leadership development, risk management and compliance, change management, community and stakeholder engagement, and crisis intervention, Dr. Rheeder continues to make strides in bridging the gap between various multi-disciplinary stakeholders and ensuring collaboration and effective implementation of interventions and strategies that uplift the NWU student populace and the community.

Hezekiél Sepeng (born 30 June 1974), is a South African middle distance runner who won silver in the Olympic 800 metres final in Atlanta 1996 (behind Vebjørn Rodal), the 1998 Commonwealth Games (behind Japheth Kimutai) and the World Championships' final in Seville 1999 (behind Wilson Kipketer).

Hezekiel grew up just outside of Potchefstroom and was identified as a precocious talent by long-time coach, JP Van Der Merwe. It was JP who brought the youngster to school at Potchefstroom Boys High where he was able to provide him with consistency and stability in his training. This structure combined with Hezekiel’s natural talent quickly saw him rise through the ranks of South African athletics leading to his first taste of international competition in 1992 at the World U20 Championships, where at the age of 18, he finished 5th in the 800m final. A year later still only 19, He donned the green and gold of South Africa at the 1993 World Championships. Again, he finished 5th.

Hezekiel Sepeng’s accolades are many; South Africa record holder in the 800m since 1999; first black athlete to win an Olympic Medal in readmission (1996, Silver Medal), World Championship Silver medallist are the ones that most people know.

Legacy
Hezekiel set the bench mark for 800m running in South Africa. He still holds the SA Record. He inspired a generation of 800m athletes. In the late 90’s there were was a plethora of two lappers who could run 1:45 and faster. Hezekiel inspired training partner Johan Botha to the world 800m indoor title in 1999 and inspired the great Mbualeni, Mbuli the Bullet, Mulaudzi. But that’s a story for another day.

Side Bar: Sepeng's CV
1995 – World University Games 800m Gold
1996 – Olympic Silver Medal 800m
1997 - World University Games 800m Silver
1998 – Commonwealth Games 800m Silver
1999 – World Championships 800m Silver
1999 – All Africa Games 800m Bronze
2004 – African Championships 800m Silver
5 x SA Representative at World Championships
3 x SA Representative at the Olympic Games

Thato Mthombeni affectionately known as Thato Immaculate is an actor, TV presenter, musician and qualified accountant. This 29-year was born and raised in the Vaal and has always been known for juggling many hats . She went to Hoerskool Dr Malan in high-school this would then add to the 4 languages she speaks fluently being English, Afrikaans, lsiZulu and Sesotho.

Thato was an all-rounder throughout school receiving awards for academic excellence as well as sport's excellence having played for South Gauteng Hockey as well as competing and wining in the Segarona Arts Festival through Classic Youth Club. Thato's passion is Arts and Performance which is why she has training under her belt with the likes of OnCue Interface. Throughout her studies at North­West University she was a radio presenter on River FM and then later a show producer, she was the number l MC for her 4 years at NWU for all social and corporate events such as Mr and Mrs NWU Vaal as well as a Nedbank Leadership Seminar hosted by Nedbank's Vaal Branch. Thato joined Tik Tok in 2021 where in the same year she wou Id be the trendsetter for global dance challenge "It Ain't Me" and also be a grant recipient for Tik Tok South Africa's Rising Voices Program in collaboration with the NFVF. By 2021 Thato would've also gone on to win Dj Sbu's on line Radio presenter search and be be mentored by him on Massiv Radio.

Thato has also been featured in local films Bafana Ba Bruno and Uppercut as support lead for Mzansi Magic . Thato is now a full-time actress having starred in The River lMagic (2022) Reyka Season 2 ( in production) CBS 's King Shaka, Entangled l Magic and Magaeng Sl Mzansi Magic.
In 2022 Thato participated in Big Brother Mzansi which saw the amplification of her many projects .

Prof. Leenta Grobler is an award-winning innovator, educator, and thought leader in Digitalisation and Digital Economies. As an Associate Professor at NWU Business School, she has played a pivotal role in shaping student-centric academic programmes that harness the power of digital technology, particularly for under-resourced areas in Africa. With over 15 years of experience, Prof. Grobler is recognised for her work in digital transformation across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and education. She holds a PhD in Engineering Development & Management, has been instrumental in achieving international accreditations for NWU, and is a driving force behind the innovateHER digital business accelerator, fostering youth innovation. Her interdisciplinary research includes digital health interventions, and she is the co-founder of Med-E-Hive. Prof. Grobler’s leadership in academia is underscored by a passion for sustainable development, innovation incubation, and community impact, making her a sought-after speaker on 4IR trends, curriculum development, and digital transformation.

Journalist, Media Specialist and Published Author: Skilled and seasoned journalist, writer, and published author. Obtained a master’s degree in journalism, an honours degree in translation cum laude and a bachelor’s degree in communications. More than 20 years’ experience in journalism, newsroom management, the media landscape, and writing. Keen student with a lifelong pursuit of academic learning. Enthusiastic and highly efficient team-player with can-do attitude.

Accomplishments and Awards

• • 2 Published Books: “Huis van gruwels” (Lapa, 2019) and “Die Stella-moorde” (Lapa, 2021)
• • Beeld's news gatherer of the year (2013)
• • Finalist, Media24 Editor’s Choice Awards (2004)
• • Top 10, Investigative Journalism, Sanlam National Competition for Regional Newspapers (2000, 2001, 2002)
• • Runner up, Journalist of the Year, MooiVaal Media (1999)

He is a young, saved man who loves the Lord with all his heart, mind, body and soul.  Growing up in a close-knit community, Obakeng Sefodi learned early on the importance of family, unity, dedication, and hard work. These foundations' experience has significantly shaped their leadership style and commitment to service amongst others. From a young age, Obakeng Sefodi, exhibited leadership potential, beginning in primary school where he served as a Learner Representative Council member.

Additionally, made it to Future Leaders Season 5 as a runner-up to representing Gauteng. In his admission at North-West University, the start of a beautiful journey that was a mystery to all was established, Obakeng Sefodi, led as a Chairperson of the Tholo-Res House Committee for two terms, they worked to build an inclusive and supportive environment for all students that aimed to positively contribute to their holistic characters.

Driven by the capacity to lead, ability to deliver and a big heart of being a servant, Obakeng Sefodi wanted to greatly serve the interests of all students by contesting SCC elections in the Office of Legal. Obakeng Sefodi mostly wanted to conscientize his peers on the importance of understanding policies and rules that govern them through raising awareness of socio-economic factors.

Lastly, Sefodi is currently serving as the NWU MC-SCC Chairperson 2024/25 and SRC General-Secretary.

-It all Starts here!

"Difficult is not impossible"

VC SCC Chairperson and SRC President

Kamohelo Zwane was born and raised in Katlehong a township in the east of Gauteng south of Germiston.

Kamohelo is a young and charismatic person. Driven by the urge to always assist and remain a mouthpiece for the silent and affected.

Growing up in a small town like Katlehong has strengthened Kamohelo and his urge to be a leader. It is the belief and drive that kept him going even though there were struggles every time. The push factor of his existence is perseverance and hard work has assisted him in reaching where he is now. Kamohelo Zwane worked for multiple organizations with different duties before coming to the institution of higher learning.

Kamohelo was a phone fixer or repairer and a technician. Fixing cell phones for people for survival. Kamohelo was a salesman and shop assistant at Sportscene for 4 December holidays. Kamohelo was an employee called mintroad sawmills for 2 and a half years. Recently Kamohelo is a bartender.

Their leadership journey started back in primary when he became a prefect then high school, he became an RCL member then varsity secretary of the choir and SCC now President of the SRC.

The aim is to push and advocate for the rights of those who are affected but silent.