Five exceptional student leaders from the University of the Free State (UFS) have been selected to represent the University at the 2026 University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS), marking the third consecutive UFS cohort to participate in the internationally recognised programme.
Following successful participation in 2018 and 2025, the latest delegation reflects the University's growing investment in developing globally minded graduates who are equipped to lead beyond the classroom. The delegation comprises Alicia Shibane (BA General), Vukona Baloyi (LLB), Teboho Monenetsi (BA), Palesa Pieterse (BEd), and Khanya Nongogo (LLB), all selected for their demonstrated commitment to leadership and community engagement.
The continued participation of UFS students highlights the University's commitment to developing graduates who are not only academically accomplished, but also globally engaged, socially responsible, and dedicated to creating meaningful change.
Developing leaders with a global outlook
For the selected students, participation in USLS represents far more than an international leadership experience. It offers an opportunity to broaden their perspectives, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and return to the UFS equipped to make a lasting difference in their communities.
For Alicia Shibane, a Bachelor of Arts (General) student, the symposium presents an opportunity to gain international exposure while building connections with emerging leaders from across the world. She believes the experience will contribute to her personal growth while equipping her to make a meaningful difference in the communities she serves.
Reflecting on what leadership means to her, Shibane said, “Leadership is not a position. It is a state of being. So don't be eager to gain status or a chair of leadership; be eager to be a changemaker despite receiving no acknowledgement. In time, the status will run after you. Just allow leadership to be a character trait of yours.”
Leadership through service and change
The symposium also challenges participants to become solution-driven leaders capable of responding to some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Vukona Baloyi, a third year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student, views leadership as a responsibility to create positive change. Motivated by the belief that progress requires action, he sees universities as spaces where innovative solutions to global challenges can be developed.
“Young leaders must never underestimate the influence they possess. Leadership is not measured by titles, but by service, integrity, and the willingness to improve the lives of others. We have a moral obligation to leave our communities better than we found them and to work together across cultures and borders in pursuit of a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable world.”
Through the symposium, Baloyi hopes to engage with diverse international perspectives, strengthen his leadership capacity, and contribute meaningfully to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following the programme, he plans to translate the knowledge and networks gained into practical initiatives that strengthen student leadership, community engagement, policy advocacy, and sustainable development at the UFS and beyond.
Sharing knowledge for greater impact
One of the greatest benefits of international leadership programmes lies not only in the experience itself, but also in how participants apply their learning to benefit others. Representing the UFS Qwaqwa Campus, Teboho Monenetsi, a Bachelor of Administration student specialising in Public Administration and Management, believes the symposium offers an opportunity to contribute to and learn from a global community of emerging leaders.
As an experienced student leader, he believes leadership should always serve the greater good. “The impact I would like to make on campus and in my community is bringing back all that I have learnt and been exposed to for the benefit of our community, both on campus and locally. I want to help other leaders climb and conquer mountains. I can only effect so much change through others.”
His commitment reflects the broader purpose of the programme, ensuring that international experiences create lasting value through knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and community engagement.
Investing in future leaders
While each student brings a unique leadership journey, together they represent more than individual achievement. Their selection reflects the University of the Free State's sustained investment in developing globally minded graduates. The 2026 delegation is the third group of student leaders to participate in the University Scholars Leadership Symposium, demonstrating the University's continued commitment to international leadership development.
Student leaders play an important role in advancing the UFS vision by modelling the institutional values of excellence, accountability, social justice, care, and sustainability. Their leadership initiatives and engagement with real-world challenges support the University’s mission of producing graduates who generate solutions that benefit society.
According to René Pelser, Acting Director: Student Life, opportunities such as the USLS are essential in preparing graduates for an increasingly complex world. “Today’s world faces complex challenges, including climate change, inequality, rapidly advancing technology, and global tensions. Because of this, higher education institutions play an important role in preparing students not just academically, but also as responsible, informed leaders who can make a positive impact in the world.”
Pelser added that Student Affairs remains committed to expanding access to international leadership programmes. Through the AdvanceLEAD Challenge (ALC), emerging leaders develop their skills while implementing community projects. In collaboration with the Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations, top-performing ALC participants are identified and supported to represent UFS on international learning and leadership platforms.
The participation of the 2026 delegation reinforces the University of the Free State's commitment to developing graduates who lead with purpose and contribute meaningfully to society at local, national, and global level.