For Relation Seobela, leadership has never been about titles. It has been about service, representation and creating opportunities for students to succeed.
The young leader, who currently serves as the Student Campus Council (SCC) chairperson of the Mahikeng Campus, Student Representative Council (SRC) president and a member of the North-West University (NWU) Council, has emerged as one of the prominent student voices on campus. Through these roles, he represents student interests at both campus and institutional level while contributing to decisions that shape the future of the university.
His leadership journey began with a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow students.
“My leadership journey has been driven by a desire to serve others and create opportunities for students to succeed,” says Relation.
One of the defining moments in his leadership career came during the 2024/25 term when he served as the SCC sports officer and Sports Chapter chairperson. The position placed him at the centre of efforts to promote student participation in sports and recreational activities at the Mahikeng Campus.
Working closely with students, coaches, sports clubs and university stakeholders, he helped create programmes that encouraged teamwork, discipline and campus pride.
The highlight of that period was when the Mahikeng Campus secured overall victory in the Intercampus Sports Competition.
“A significant achievement during my term as sports officer was the Mahikeng Campus winning the overall Intercampus Sports Competition. This achievement was the result of dedication, teamwork and the collective efforts of student athletes, coaches and support staff,” he says.
According to Relation, the experience reinforced the value of collaboration and strategic planning in achieving common goals.
His election as SRC president and SCC chairperson brought new responsibilities and a broader platform to advocate for students. During the 2025/26 academic year,
he worked closely with the SCC to assist students facing registration challenges and to ensure access to academic programmes.
He also championed initiatives aimed at strengthening student engagement and participation in university governance.
Among these was the State of the Campus Address, which provided students with an opportunity to engage directly on issues affecting campus life, governance and student development.
Beyond governance platforms, Relation prioritised student welfare through oversight visits to student residences. These visits focused on assessing living conditions, identifying challenges and ensuring that concerns relating to accommodation, safety and student well-being were addressed through the appropriate university structures.
“These oversight visits reinforced my belief that leadership must be visible, responsive and connected to the everyday experiences of students,” he says.
While balancing leadership responsibilities, Relation has maintained a strong academic record. He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Political Science and International Relations, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Management. He is currently pursuing an honours degree in Political Studies.
He credits students, particularly those at the Mahikeng Campus, for placing their trust in him and allowing him to contribute to the growth and development of the university.
“It is important to acknowledge that my journey would not have been possible without the support and trust of students. They have entrusted me with the responsibility of contributing to the growth and development of the NWU while ensuring that student voices remain at the centre of institutional decision-making,” he says.
Looking ahead, Relation hopes to continue contributing to student development, ethical governance and social transformation while preparing for a career in the corporate sector.
“I believe that leadership is not about holding positions of authority, but about making a positive impact in the lives of others,” he says. “As I continue my academic and
leadership journey, I remain committed to promoting excellence, empowering others and contributing meaningfully to the development of both the university and society.”
For Relation, leadership remains a commitment to service, one that continues to shape both his university experience and his vision for the future.
Relation Seobela, SRC president and SCC chairperson at the Mahikeng Campus, says leadership is about creating opportunities for others and ensuring that student voices are heard.
