South Africa’s future will not be shaped by policies and programmes alone. It will also be shaped by people who understand their communities, recognise their challenges, and are willing to work alongside others to create change.

For Rose Mabitsela, a lecturer in the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies on the University of the Free State’s (UFS’) Qwaqwa Campus, that understanding sits at the heart of community development. Through her teaching, community engagement work, and partnerships with community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations, she is helping students connect their academic knowledge with the realities people face every day.

The lesson has stayed with her throughout her journey in community development. “I was inspired by how people start organisations out of pure concern and love for their communities – often with little support – but still make an impact. It made me realise that community development embraces everyone’s efforts towards creating positive change.”

Helping students become part of the solution

Mabitsela’s introduction to community development began during her undergraduate studies. Like many students, her initial goal was straightforward: complete her qualification, graduate, and build a career. Her perspective changed when she began working alongside non-governmental organisations and community initiatives.

What stood out to her was the determination of individuals who were working to improve the lives of others despite limited resources and support. Their commitment showed her that meaningful change does not always begin with large budgets or national programmes. Often, it starts with people who care deeply about the well-being of those around them.

Today, that belief shapes the way she approaches her work.

Through community engagement activities and work-integrated learning opportunities, Mabitsela encourages students to move beyond theory and engage with the social realities affecting communities. Students are exposed to challenges such as substance abuse, community well-being, and access to basic services, while also learning to work respectfully with the people most affected by these issues.

Rather than viewing communities as recipients of assistance, she believes they should be recognised as valuable contributors to solutions.

As a young academic, Mabitsela sees universities as important spaces for nurturing new ways of thinking and responding to social challenges.

“We are entrusted with resources and knowledge that can change the lives of other young people who are not in the same position as we are. We should work with communities to co-create knowledge rather than disregard them in the name of development.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is seeing students grow through their engagement with communities. She recalls watching students move from discussing social issues in class to actively engaging with people, building relationships, and reflecting critically on their role in society.

These experiences, she says, help shape graduates who are not only equipped with academic knowledge, but also understand the importance of empathy, collaboration, and social responsibility.

As the UFS marks Youth Month under the theme ‘Youth in Action: Building the Future Now’, Mabitsela believes young people have an important role to play in shaping the South Africa they want to see.

Her message is that impact should not be measured only by visibility or recognition. Some of the most meaningful contributions happen quietly, through everyday efforts that strengthen communities and improve lives.