Office of the Dean of Students hosts engaging development programme

Unisa’s Office of the Dean of Students successfully hosted an engaging online Leadership, Ethics and Personal Development Programme for registered Unisa students on 7 and 8 May 2026.

The programme took place via Microsoft Teams and YouTube from 18:00 to 20:00 on both evenings. Richard Wright and David Harpestad from the Academic Development Open Virtual Hub (ADOVH) facilitated the sessions.

The two-day programme aimed to empower students with ethical leadership principles, personal growth skills and transformative development knowledge that can positively influence their academic, personal, and professional journeys.

On 7 May 2026, Zibuyile Jafta, Deputy Director of the Ethics Management Division, delivered an insightful presentation focusing on ethics and personal development. The presentation was themed 'Empowering Ethical Students at UNISA: Building Self-Awareness, Responsibility, and Positive Impact'. Jafta stimulated active engagement in university policies, starting with the Students' Charter of Rights and Responsibilities and active participation in the university society. The session encouraged students to reflect on the importance of integrity, accountability, ethical conduct, and responsible leadership in both their personal and academic lives. More than 400 students attended the session, demonstrating a keen interest in ethical leadership and self-development.

The second session, held on 8 May 2026, introduced Dr Phumzile Dlamini, from the Department of Leadership and Transformation, with a presentation titled "Rethinking Transformation Journey: Co-curricular Activities". Dlamini delivered a transformative and inspiring presentation on leadership and personal development, encouraging students to embrace self-awareness, resilience, purpose-driven leadership, and continuous personal growth.

Dlamini shared that the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) aims to advance transformation imperatives in the higher education sector, particularly in student development, staff development, and curriculum development. Dr Dlamini emphasised that "transformation is a collective responsibility, one that falls upon every individual". More than 300 students joined this session and actively engaged with the presentation and discussions.

Tebogo Mangope, Acting Manager of Student Social Development, thanked all presenters, participants, and stakeholders who contributed to the programme's success and reaffirmed the programme's commitment to providing impactful developmental opportunities for students.

The programme formed part of the Office of the Dean of Students' ongoing commitment to student empowerment, holistic development, and the promotion of ethical and transformative leadership among Unisa students. Through initiatives like these, the University continues to create meaningful platforms that support student success and personal growth beyond the classroom.

Students should look out for more co-curricular activities from the Office of the Dean of Students.

* By Mmangakane Yvonne Mmako, Training, Research and Capacity Development Practitioner (Acting), Directorate of Student Development