Speaker of Parliament Inspires Student Leaders at Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Camp Cape Town, 12 February 2025 – Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Thoko Didiza, has urged student leaders to embrace political and civic activism, emphasizing that leadership is not just about titles, but about taking responsibility for the world they want to shape. Speaking at the opening of the Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Camp, she told the gathered 100 student leaders that this experience is not just about the next few days but something that will stay with them for a lifetime. “If you believe in something, if you care about the world around you, then you have a duty to act,” she said. “I believe that politics is my life—I could not stand by and let others decide my future without being involved. And neither should you.” The annual Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Camp, now in its third year, brings together student leaders from universities, TVET colleges, and CET colleges, providing a platform for training, networking, and critical discussions on the challenges facing young people today. The camp is hosted by Higher Health in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training and coincides with the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. A Call for Leadership and Action The Speaker applauded Higher Health and the Department of Higher Education and Training for creating this space and called for more leadership programs of this nature, adding that Parliament itself should be a partner in fostering the next generation of leaders. She shared her experience of working in South Africa’s first democratic government alongside Nelson Mandela, recalling the complexities of navigating leadership, culture, and tradition. “How do you say no to Madiba,” she asked, laughing. “Especially when he’s made up his mind that his decision is right, and your role is to execute?” The story illustrated the delicate balance between principle and pragmatism—a challenge that many student leaders will face in their own activism and governance roles. She encouraged students to use this platform not just as an opportunity to learn, but to prepare themselves for real-world leadership challenges. Building Leadership for the Future The camp’s focus is on health, wellness, and student activism, but it also serves as a space for developing concrete solutions to the many challenges in South Africa’s Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector. Student leaders will engage in discussions on: ✅ Gender-based violence and campus safety ✅ Mental health and student wellness ✅ Access to education, funding, and economic opportunities ✅ The role of young leaders in governance and policy-making In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, highlighted the importance of taking lessons from leaders like Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe—not just in their activism, but in how they built sustainable movements that changed history. “Mandela and Sobukwe didn’t just identify problems—they fought for solutions, they built movements, and they never backed down from their principles,” Manamela said. “We need leaders who will not only challenge the status quo but shape the future with action.” A New Partnership with Parliament? The Speaker’s commitment to exploring a partnership between Parliament, Higher Health, and student leadership structures was met with enthusiasm, signaling a potential institutional support system for student activism beyond the camp. With a packed agenda over the next few days—including a debate on the President’s SONA, leadership workshops, and a symbolic leadership hike—the student leaders will leave Cape Town not just inspired, but equipped to drive real change in their institutions and communities. “This camp is about more than just these few days,” the Speaker reminded them. “It is about how you use what you learn here to change your world.” For more information, contact: 📞 Mandla Tshabalala – 084 304 6239