The School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management at the North-West University (NWU) marked an important milestone on 6 March 2026 with the official launch of the student chapter of the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP).

The establishment of the chapter strengthens professional development opportunities for students pursuing careers in human resource management and industrial psychology, while creating a direct link between students and the professional body that regulates and promotes ethical HR practices in South Africa.

The newly established SABPP student chapter will enable students to formally engage with the professional body for HR practitioners. Students who wish to become members are required to pay a once-off membership fee of R200, which will cover all their academic years while they are studying at the university.

A journey of perseverance

Ms Kholiswa Mogoeng, a lecturer in the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management and organiser of the launch event, described the initiative as a journey that required perseverance and dedication.

“It was not an easy journey recruiting students to join the SABPP, but the encouragement and inspiration from my former colleague, Ms Doreen Morukhu, currently a lecturer at the University of Venda, motivated me not to give up until the vision became a reality,” said Ms Mogoeng.

She also expressed appreciation to lecturers in the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management for their support. Many lecturers dedicated time during their classes to introduce the SABPP to students and encourage them to become members of the newly established student chapter.

Support from SABPP representatives

The launch event was attended by representatives from the SABPP, including Ms Musengeli Ravele and Ms Sellina Tshaba, who were present to witness the historic occasion. Despite her existing commitments, Ms Morukhu also joined the event virtually as a guest lecturer and delivered words of encouragement to students.

Their participation highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities and professional bodies to ensure that students are well prepared for the professional world.

Student leadership elected

An important highlight of the event was the election of the inaugural student chapter committee. Students who had affiliated with the SABPP were given the opportunity to vote for representatives across five portfolios: chairperson, deputy chairperson, secretary, marketing officer and treasurer.

The chairperson position was contested by Osego Montshosi, Motshidisi Morweng and Nkululeko Hlatshwayo, while Andile Hadebe and Lesego Masegare stood for the deputy chairperson role. Vinolia Nakane, Mekateko Tswai and Kgomotso Serite were nominated for the secretary position.

Candidates for the marketing portfolio included Egorogile Mocwiri, Holy Jane, Ndumiso Khumalo and Mudzunga Mukhubu, while the treasurer position was contested by Neo Tolo, Ntokozo Dlamini and Letlhohonolo Mafojane.

To ensure fairness and transparency, students cast their votes through a poll conducted on the university’s eFundi system.

Following the voting process, Nkululeko Hlatshwayo was elected as chairperson with 53% of the votes. Lesego Masegare secured the position of deputy chairperson with 85%, while Vinolia Nakane was elected secretary with 82%. Holy Jane was elected marketing officer with 58% of the votes, and Letlhohonolo Mafojane became treasurer with 36%.

Encouraging leadership and growth

Dr Dorcas Lesenyeho, deputy director of the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, congratulated all candidates and emphasised that everyone who had participated in the election process was a winner.

She encouraged students who were not elected to remain motivated and continue pursuing leadership opportunities, noting that participating in the election process itself represents an important step towards professional growth and confidence-building.

A collective effort

Ms Mogoeng also extended her gratitude to several individuals who contributed to the success of the launch. She thanked Ms Amber Huckle and Ms Gomolemo Tsuabane for assisting with the creation of student profiles on the SABPP system.

Appreciation was also expressed to Seabo Lekaba for ensuring that the required documentation for the launch was completed, Ms Reatlegile Matomela for designing the programme and event pamphlet, and Mr Refentse Bodigelo for capturing content from the event.

Ms Mogoeng concluded by expressing heartfelt appreciation to colleagues in the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management whose teamwork made the event possible.

Special acknowledgement was given to Dr Lesenyeho, Prof. Alex Molefi, Dr Kelebogile Paadi, Dr Thatoyaone Modisenyane, Dr Deborah Mokgojwa, Mr David Makgala, Mrs Boitumelo Mogotsi, Ms Olebogeng More and Mr Phemelo Manhique for their dedication and collective effort in ensuring the successful launch of the SABPP student chapter.

The new committee of the SABPP with the SABPP Members and the School of IPS&HRM staff

From left is Ravele from SABPP , in the middle is the final year student Unathi Maqhoboza and Ms Tshaba from SABPP