The 2025 North-West University (NWU) Leadership Summit, hosted by the Student Life division, took place on 3 and 4 October at the Stonehenge River Lodge in Parys, paving the way forward for student leadership development.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Resilience: Go Boldly Through Challenges”, reflected the summit’s mission of sharing knowledge needed for a successful leadership term. Student leaders from all three campuses gained valuable skills that align with the institution’s Student Leadership and Governance objectives and goals.
They also received an overview of the NQF level 5 short courses and student leadership development programmes offered by the NWU’s Student Leadership Academy. The third short course on Effective solutions was also launched during the summit. These programmes aim to train and develop student leaders in order to foster the development of relevant NWU graduate attributes.
The student leaders were inspired by esteemed speakers, including Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, Bert Sorgdrager, Council chairperson, and Prof Linda du Plessis, senior deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning. Other esteemed speakers included Dr Corrie Rheeder, chief campus director at the Potchefstroom Campus, and Thabo Molete, South African sports commentator.
Prof Tyobeka encouraged the student leaders to be rigorous in thought, humble in service, but steadfast in purpose.
“You are the conscience of your peers; you must help bridge the gap between hope and action. Resilience is not retreat; it is renewal. When opposition arises and systems strain, leadership does not shrink; it expands. You must act not just within your campus, but also adopt multi-stakeholder thinking and align local actions with global goals.”
Prof Tyobeka added: “To our student leaders: go boldly, reject complacency, embrace discomfort and drive change within the institution. Carry the ideals of the NWU with you in everything you do: every meeting, every decision, every conversation. The future is yours to shape; the torch is yours to carry. Lead with courage, serve with conviction, and let resilience be your legacy.”
The summit’s panel discussion featured Adv René Koraan, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Mozumuhle Mhlongo, the president of the National Association for Student Development Professionals, and Relation Seobela, Student Representative Council (SRC) president. Together the speakers explored how the students can use current affairs and trends to become intentional leaders who will lead with impact, integrity and resilience.
Leila Struwig, house committee member for Huis Republiek ladies residence, shared how the summit had inspired her to adopt a different approach to leadership on her campus. “I thought I would only strive to be a house committee member, but after hearing the inspirational stories of all the wonderful leaders, I want to push myself for bigger leadership roles.”
She added that meeting all these exceptional leaders from different campuses has taught her to listen to their perspectives and incorporate them into her own leadership style.
Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, emeritus professor at the NWU, graced the summit with his presence. Furthermore, for the first time in the summit’s history, a delegation from the SRC of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources joined the student leaders, strengthening the university’s cross-border relations.
In her closing remarks, Dr Tasleem Sayed, a senior lecturer, researcher and community leader, reflected on the important lessons learnt and inspired the students.
Principal and vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka delivers the keynote address.
Student leaders discussing how to share insights, ask questions, and learn from each other during their pre-conference workshop.
The NWU Jazz Band from the School of Music entertains the crowd at the gala dinner on 3 October.
