Journalism Student Leaders Proving Great Mental Strength



Journalism Student leaders find their rhythm
as they prepare to work as a unit.



At the Tshwane University of Technology journalism students are often seen around campus reading thick books about South African, African and international politics. They discuss big issues about how international leaders can improve various situations they are often faced with in their countries. What is always clear is that they are worried about the future of African leadership as this has been tested in North Africa with various uprisings that have forced the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt to resign.



The media, especially social media, is playing a huge role in galvanising protesters in these countries. Because of their interest in world issues and their participation in various debates about world politics journalism students are arguably the least liked on their campus.

On campus these students have also elected their leaders as they have the Student Journalists Associations (SJA) with the new president being Pearl Nicodemus. The SJA and second year student mentors recently went on a team building exercise in the serene surroundings of Toppieshoek, a TUT owned facility, near the Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West Province.

On this exercise the students learnt to work as a unit to save one of their own from falling.

They had their set programme and participated in various activities that forced them as leaders to work as a unit. They also went on a hiking trail up a mountain and reflected on the various journeys they have taken in their lives resulting in them finding a place in the student leadership structures of TUT.

The student leaders’ characters were also tested during their weekend getaway when a misunderstanding led to certain individuals refusing to iron out their problems and talk to each other.

Like true leaders they decided to sit down, apologise to each other and find solutions to their problems before departing for the high rise buildings of South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria.

In 2011 those who were in Toppieshoek will have to find various solutions to other students’ problems and play a part in assisting in the academic, social and at times personal aspects of their lives. There were trying times on the final morning in Toppieshoek, but the students eventually proved that they have been chosen because they are the best people who can assist in the journey that many of their peers will be undertaking in 2011.