Future leaders embracing change and innovating tomorrow in a rapidly evolving world

by Angeline Marokoane

In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, the need for strong, adaptable and visionary leadership has never been more crucial. This very theme, "Future Leaders: Embracing Change and Innovating Tomorrow" – set the stage for the second North-West University (NWU) Student Leadership Summit, held from 26 to 27 September at the picturesque ANEW Hunters Rest Lodge in Rustenburg. The summit aimed to equip student leaders with the tools and mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of modern leadership while fostering innovation and positive transformation.

The importance of this theme cannot be overstated in our current global context, where change is the only constant. From technological advancements to social movements and economic shifts, future leaders must not only adapt to change but drive it. The summit reflected the NWU’s commitment to cultivating student leaders who are prepared to meet these challenges with resilience, global awareness and a forward-thinking vision.

Shaping tomorrow’s leaders

The summit was designed to instil leadership skills that align with the NWU’s broader objectives for student leadership and governance. Central to this was the introduction of new short courses offered by the NWU Student Leadership Academy to equip participants with essential leadership competencies for the modern world. These courses aim to prepare students not just for campus leadership roles, but for future positions of influence in their careers and communities.

The NWU’s principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, set the tone for the summit by highlighting the significance of visionary leadership in times of change. He emphasised that innovation is not just about creating something new, but about transforming existing structures to be more efficient, inclusive and future-ready.

Bert Sorgdrager, NWU Council chairperson, and Prof Mala Singh, executive director of People and Culture, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of leadership that prioritises diversity, inclusion and global connectivity. In today’s world, leaders must be able to work across cultural and national boundaries, drawing on a wide range of perspectives to solve complex problems.

The summit was further enriched by the insights of Dr Corrie Rheeder, director of Student Life, and Olympic athlete Hezekiel Sepeng, who both offered personal reflections on resilience and the importance of a growth mindset in achieving long-term success.

Learning from industry experts

A highlight of the summit was the engaging panel discussion featuring influential thought leaders who shared their experiences and advice for the leaders of tomorrow. Among the panellists were Prof Leenta Grobler, associate professor of Digitalisation and Digital Economies at the NWU Business School, Susan Cilliers, a journalist, media specialist and

author, and student leaders such as Obakeng Sefodi and Kamohelo Zwane, both of whom serve as Student Representative Council (SRC) Secretary General for their respective campuses.

The panel explored critical themes such as digital transformation, the future of work and the role of media in shaping public opinion. For student leaders, these are not distant, abstract concepts – they are real-world issues that will shape their future careers and leadership roles. The message was clear: to innovate tomorrow, leaders must embrace the challenges and opportunities that change presents today.

The voices of future leaders

Students described their different experiences from this transformative summit as follows:

· Muhammad Jameel Abdul-Kader, from the Potchefstroom Campus, said, “I managed to network with people from different cultures and different backgrounds and this enabled me to communicate better and learn to take in people’s different perspectives, which I think will enable me to be a better leader going forward.”

· Naledi Mothlabane, from the Mahikeng Campus, reflected, “I have learned that to make a positive impact to the people that are around me through each and every endeavour I undertake.”

· Patrick Moloja, from the Vanderbijlpark Campus, added, “It was eye-opening to learn how to become an innovative student leader, but more importantly, it is about surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you – those who truly understand what it means to lead. We all define leadership in different ways and being around people who share that understanding is invaluable.”

The summit’s lasting impact

The NWU Student Leadership Summit was more than just a gathering of future leaders – it was a call to action. It underscored the importance of embracing change, thinking globally and innovating with a purpose. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, leadership is not simply about managing what is – it is about envisioning what could be and taking bold steps towards that future.