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17 January 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Sonia Small
Siphilangenkosi Dlamini
"Dreams and expectations are the foundation of transformative leadership. It fuels my determination to push boundaries and strive for the seemingly impossible in pursuit of positive change," says Siphilangenkosi Dlamini.

At 16, he wrote himself a letter with a quote from a book he was reading: “To achieve the impossible, it is precisely the unthinkable that must be thought.” This became his guiding light.

“Dreams and expectations are the foundation of transformative leadership, fuelling my determination to push boundaries and strive for the seemingly impossible in pursuit of positive change,” says Siphilangenkosi Dlamini, Assistant Coordinator of the Initiative for Creative African Narratives (ICAN) in the Centre for Teaching and Learning and a student in Political Governance and Transformation.

Dlamini has served in numerous leadership roles – from President of the Fakazi Combined School RCL in 2013 up to his current position as President of the UFS Chapter of the United Nations Association of South Africa. “What inspired me to take this position, was my commitment to the United Nations’ principles and values, with a focus on advocating for peace, sustainability, and social justice within the university community,” he says.

Other highlights in Dlamini’s activist career include serving as the Interim Chair of the African Youth Business Council and driving discussions on the African Union Continental Free Trade Area. He also founded Lihawu Industries PTY LTD, where he facilitated 7 698 placements in South African institutions through Operation Siyafundza, providing disadvantaged youth with access to higher education.

Dlamini champs curriculum decolonisation and equitable, inclusive education. Among others, he served as a member of the South African Students Congress (SASCO), was a FeesMustFall activist, and has been involved in the call for free education in South Africa since its inception in 2016. He tirelessly advocates for youth voices, sustainable development, and positive change in the region, making a significant impact with his initiatives.

News Archive

Student leaders' hard work rewarded
2013-05-01

Four student leaders on our Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses each received a scholarship of R15 000. Handré Hay, Estine Cronje, Tsepang Lenka and Jean Vermaas were rewarded for the positive impact they had on the student community in the past three years or more. Student Affairs' scholarship programme acknowledges the contribution of student leaders in the upliftment of the student community.

Read what the four have to say about leadership:

Handré Hay:

Handré Hay, a third-year BSc Physiotherapy student who holds several leadership positions on our Bloemfontein Campus, served for two consecutive years on the committee of Armentum residence. He was also a member of the executive council in the Students' Representative Council (SRC) and served in two SRC portfolios. "Leadership is about being able to serve. When people see that you are willing to put other people's interests above your own and that you are willing to serve unselfishly, despite a position of authority, you will get far," said Handré.

Estine Cronje:

Estine Cronje is the current prime of Marjolein residence. This was the second time the fifth-year Psychology student were re-elected to this position."Leadership is very important to me. One needs leaders in everything you do. I believe a leader should never think herself better than the rest and should work as hard as her team. She should command respect, be disciplined, an example to others, accessible and open to the opinions of other people.

Tsepang Lenka:

Tsepang Lenka is the SRC President of our Qwaqwa Campus. Tsepang, who was twice elected as prime of his residence, has already obtained his BA degree in Public and Business Management. He is currently working on his Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). "To me leadership means to serve. As a leader you don't lie to people when things are taking the wrong direction, you stand firm and tell the truth; in that way, people don't lose trust in you. The scholarship inspires me to work even harder," Tsepang said.

Jean Vermaas:

Jean Vermaas is a former SRC member who is currently studying for his LLB degree. Some of Jean's achievements include leadership positions of the Juridical Society and the Broad Students' Transformation Forum. In 2012 he was a founder member of the Student Elders' Council."Leadership is of extreme importance to me. It formed me into the person I am now. Leadership isn't always easy, but in the challenges you face you grow as a leader and as an individual."

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