“When challenging times arise, for as long as we (young people) know our ‘why’, we can definitely overcome them.”
These are the words of Stellenbosch University (SU) alumna Farai Mubaiwa (24).
Mubaiwa was in conversation with former SU SRC president Nomzamo Ntombela (23) at an event titled ‘youth leadership in challenging times’ held at the SU Museum on July 30.
The pair reflected on what youth leadership entails and on difficult moments in their journey as young leaders at the university.
The event was facilitated by Dr Mosa Phadi, a researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), and took place in collaboration with SU research chair in historical trauma and transformation, Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela.
Dr Mosa Phadi facilitating the session. PHOTO: Sethu Mbuli
“For me, leadership is showing up, and I know that’s not a very academic definition of what leadership is, but for me it is about showing up and being active in a space,” Mubaiwa says, adding that young people are more worried about making an impact than making a profit.
Mubaiwa currently works as a project manager at the Aurum Institute, a South African TB and HIV research NGO. She was active in student movements and held leadership positions during her time at the university.
She played a key role in the #EndRapeCulture movement and was a member of the ‘womxn empowerment group’ of the 2016 SRC.
Ntombela says people often romanticise challenges youth leaders go through, adding “as if now we all have to go through the absolute most for those around us to see that we are indeed true leaders with true character.” She notes that these challenges mean youth leaders must maintain a good support system and a network of people they can rely on.
Ntombela is currently doing her honours at the university and is set to start her PhD at Michigan State University in the United States later this year.
One audience member emphasised the importance of taking the conversation beyond the university, noting how most young people who need to hear the talk don’t have much access to these platforms.
An audience member shares her thoughts PHOTO: Sethu Mbuli