The office of the campus chief director at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted the BOMA Dialogue with the CCD, a strategic leadership initiative aimed at strengthening student engagement, promoting accountability and cultivating a new generation of responsible student leaders.
Held at the Big Lapa, the dialogue brought together staff members and student leaders in a setting designed to encourage honest reflection, open engagement and shared ownership of the campus experience. The initiative signals a deliberate shift toward more inclusive, responsive and action-oriented leadership at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.
At the centre of this initiative is campus chief director Andiswa Msi, whose leadership has been instrumental in creating platforms that prioritise direct engagement with students. Under her leadership, the BOMA Dialogue was conceptualised not merely as a discussion forum, but as a structured space for listening, reflection and collaborative problem-solving.
“This engagement was a success. The level of honesty, participation and willingness to engage from our student leaders is exactly what we need to build a strong campus,” said Andiswa.
“The BOMA Dialogue represents a growing commitment by campus leadership to move beyond traditional communication structures and create meaningful, action-oriented engagement. We are building a space where leadership is not only taught but actively practised.”
Andiswa emphasised that the dialogue reflects her commitment to bridging the gap between institutional leadership and the student body.
“When I took office, I made a commitment to engage directly with students – about where we see ourselves as a campus, and what it truly means to lead. These conversations are critical if we are serious about building a campus that is inclusive, responsive and forward-looking,” she said.
She further noted that the BOMA Dialogue forms part of a broader leadership vision focused on developing students beyond academic success.
“The aim is to create a culture of engagement where students and leadership interact meaningfully, reflect on real challenges, and work together toward practical solutions. We are intentional about shaping leaders who understand responsibility, accountability and service,” she added.
Importantly, Andiswa confirmed that this engagement marks the beginning of a series of dialogues that will continue throughout the academic year.
“This is not a once-off event. More engagements like this are coming. Our responsibility is to nurture leaders who will not only contribute positively on campus, but who will go on to make an impact in their communities and in the future of our country,” she said.
The programme was facilitated by Makhotso Mosikidi, senior administrative officer in Student Life, who served as master of ceremonies. In her opening remarks, she reflected on a traumatic incident that occurred outside campus – an experience that led her to advocate for improved safety measures, including safer access gates and walkways.
“Leadership is about making an impact. I want to encourage you to stand for something and believe in it,” Makhotso said.
The event also carried a strong message of institutional support, with remarks from deputy vice-chancellor Prof. Jeffery Mphahlele delivered by Innocentia Ngcephe, reinforcing the importance of servant leadership and collective responsibility.
The dialogue featured thought-provoking contributions from guest speakers Dr Mthunzi Mncane and Siphiwo Moyo, who challenged student leaders to embrace accountability, ethical leadership and constructive engagement. They were joined by Ujeet Maharaj, prosecutor and head of Student Discipline at the NWU, who added an important perspective on discipline, responsibility and ethical conduct in leadership.
Dr Mancane encouraged students to prioritise academic excellence and meaningful participation in addressing societal challenges.
“Our country has a lot to fix. We are looking up to you to bring the skills and knowledge needed to address these challenges,” he said. He further emphasised responsible engagement: “Disagree responsibly. Ideas must win the day, not violence.”
Siphiwo focused on relationships and values-driven leadership, cautioning against artificial harmony, which he described as a false sense of unity that conceals deeper issues.
“Artificial harmony creates an illusion of unity that hides deeper issues,” he said. “It is okay to differ, but how we differ is important. You can disagree with someone without undermining their dignity.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder: “Visibility without credibility is just noise.”
