The Student Governance and Development unit in collaboration with Student Housing and Residence Life unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a successful Representative Council of Learners (RCL) Leadership Capacity Building. This initiative aimed at equipping high school learners with essential leadership skills, preparing them for their roles within their schools and beyond. The RCL event was held at Mansfield Hall, Ritson campus on Tuesday, 1 April 2025 and Wednesday, 2 April 2025.
Mr Andile Masuku, Student Development Officer, welcomed attendees and outlined the day’s purpose, setting a positive tone for the event.
“This programme is about equipping you as RCL’s and empower you with leadership skills. As you are given a role of leading a lot of leaners in your schools, it comes with a responsibility and a task. As a leader, it is your responsibility to look after your peers , take up their issues that they are faced with to their classroom teachers or with the school management,” said Masuku.
Student Governance and Development Manager, Mr Masiza Ngculu delivered an insightful presentation on Introduction to Leadership. He interacted with leaners, taking them through a process of : Developing leadership skills among high school learners, Enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and Fostering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
In a presentation on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, Mr. Ntsikelelo Nhlenyama, Residence Life Officer at DUT introduced learners to the concept and its importance. He outlined the five core components of Emotional Intelligence, which include understanding oneself (Self-Knowledge), managing one’s emotions (Self-Regulation), driving motivation (Motivation), understanding others (Empathy), and effective communication (Social Skills).
“Emotional intelligence is an ability to recognise, understand and manage our emotions while also you are able to recognise and influence the emotions of others. This plays a huge role on how we communicate and resolve conflict and collaborate as a team,” he said.
Dr Clement Moreku, Dean of Students, welcomed participants to the RCL Leadership Capacity Building event’s second day. He highlighted DUT’s commitment to developing future leaders through initiatives like this, emphasizing the importance of nurturing learners leadership skills to prepare them for the future .
“As DUT, we have become an investment in the development of our societies. We have chosen to partner with your schools so that we can contribute to the growth and empowerment of the student leaders, who are in essence the next generation of leaders. So this capacity building programme is a direct reflection of our belief in the transformative power of education and leadership.
Azile khathswa, a learner from Bonela Secondary School shared her words of appreciation to her teachers, fellow RCL members from other schools and to DUT for shaping their future. “ I would like to thank everyone for giving us this opportunity. I gained valuable leadership skills and I am eager to apply them at school as a leader,” she excitedly said.
To foster teamwork, learners then participated in a team-building exercise at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, in Steve Biko campus under the supervision of Mr. Qhawe Mncwabe from DUT Sports department.
Pictured: Attendees at the RCL Capacity Building event.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Thubelihle Dumakude
