Chairperson's input

Message to the Science students of Walter Sisulu University from the chairperson Mr. Dinileminyanya Latha

Our successes in academics, leadership and building a good reputation have been recognised and awarded by students at WSU by voting us into different leadership positions.

The beautiful and great opportunity given to us by students should be honoured by reciprocating it with good leadership, great service and going beyond the call of duty.

It is crucial that leaders continue growing and prove that students have made a right choice by electing them to lead student structures. We should take pride in serving students honestly and with respect they deserve. Leaders should aspire to raise the pace and tempo instead of being too comfortable with the status quo.

Student leaders should excel academically; in leadership; serving, championing and representing students interests and in being exemplary.

The above are central to great student leadership. We therefore need to aspire and work towards being the best and reliable students’ representatives. Our actions, be they small or big, should never taint the well being of students. We should ensure that we do right by them every time and this requires a commitment, discipline and strong long-term purpose.

Academic excellence is not just about distinctions and class attendance. Learning should be habitual. Academic excellence is also about real learning in the realm of our social and personal lives. At the end of our university careers we have to go and contribute to society. The decisions we make and the societies we are part of contribute in our development as leaders and students. We therefore need to embrace and count our contribution to the general university community as important. All stakeholders should benefit from our skills and work.

Student leaders need to realise that they are not leaders by virtue of the positions they happen to occupy at a certain juncture in their lives. Leaders are leaders because of the role and contribution they make toward the university and society. Their behaviour, attitude, habits and traits they acquired throughout their lifetime are part of the equation.

Leaders should be able to account for decisions they take, and results thereof- whether they are positive or negative. Students need visionary and purposeful leaders who know what they seek to achieve instead of people who want to have a good CV and boost their huge egos.

Demagogues and rhetoric loudhailers are not necessarily good leaders. Leaders are people who have a sense of purpose, mission and vision that is backed by a strong will power. Leaders need composure and skills to steer the ship they are in charge of to the right direction no matter how challenging that may be. Leaders understand that every little progress counts for something. Leaders know that there is a required journey to any destination.

Student leaders should take pride in serving communities around them. They need to ensure that they are involved in fighting poverty, illiteracy, drug abuse and many other ills that are adversely affecting our society. Students have a responsibility to guide and inform high school learners about careers they can pursue and also help them with their academic work. There are many things students can do for communities. We need to go beyond the call of duty and contribute not for the sake of contribution but, to make a positive and lasting difference to society.

Student leaders need to build a great personality.

Leaders should be honest and committed in serving their constituencies. They should never be involved in corruption for ethical leaders do good even when in dark and hidden corners. Leaders should provide leadership even on small matters in classroom situations. One of those ways is to do homework and pass well. When fellow classmates fight, for example, a leader should never be found encouraging the fight by screaming in support to any party involved. Student leaders should do well even when they are alone. Lead by example all the time.

Leaders should be true and committed to their vision and honour it with their deeds to bring it to fruition.

Every little thing a leader does counts. Leaders should be bold enough to take harsh and difficult decisions when necessary. Cowardice is not an option for good leaders.

A visionary leader is able to evaluate his or her achievements or failures and learn. A leader should not live without a goal for that will reduce him or her to a wanderer. A leader lives a life with a purpose and direction.

A leader appreciates other people’s achievements and help when needed. No jealous.

Student leaders at SCIENTECH are committed to serving students well.

Dinileminyanya S Latha 081 075 6690                                            

  Chairperson of SCIENTECH