Stefan van der Westhuizen was chosen to be one of 100 new people to join Brightest Young Minds, a youth-founded, youth-driven organisation mobilising Africa’s innovative young leaders, and helping them to create lasting change. Brightest Young Minds is a 15-year-old organisation that identifies go-getters around the continent who have demonstrated their commitment to making social impact through their actions.

Great minds inspire young minds

The top 100 delegates attend an annual five-day summit where they engage and teach one another, participating in leadership development. Renowned change-drivers such as Ahmed Kathrada and Advocate Thuli Madonsela are some of the leaders involved in inspiring delegates at the annual gathering.

Heart and mind in the right place

Stefan is a young man passionate about activism and positive societal change. The final-year MBChB student is motivated by the belief that life is meant to be lived as a service to others. It is this visible desire and drive that has led to one of his greatest achievements thus far.

In 2015, Stefan was elected as a University of the Free State (UFS) SRC member. Since then, he has been involved in the greater student body. According to Stefan, the UFS Human Project, which links teaching and research for the improvement of human lives, is what initially drew him to the university.

The 2015 Abe Bailey scholar is currently the chairperson of the UFS Surgical Society, a newly-founded student and faculty-driven society aimed at breaking barriers in the art and science of surgery.

Mastered the art of empathy

Stefan is passionate about providing healthcare to the marginalised around Bloemfontein. Before he graduates in December, Stefan plans the establishment of a sustainable student-led clinic in central Bloemfontein, aimed at addressing health issues of the impoverished and homeless.

He hopes to turn continental obstacles into opportunities, making social contributions that will last.