By Shonani Mufamadi
In the midst of a high-pressure semester, the University of Limpopo Residence Administration Committee hosted its inaugural Dare to Dream event, encouraging students to aim higher. The program aimed to help students reclaim ambition, ignite aspirations, confront challenges that derail dreams, and envision a future without limits.
Thandi Mbokazi, Physics lecturer highlighted the essence of event theme ‘dare to dream’. Photo by: Vutlhari Hlungwani
Setting the tone for the event, UL Physics lecturer Thandi Mbokazi emphasized that dreaming requires bravery. “Daring to dream means pursuing ambitions that may seem impossible. Our role is to simplify that journey for students and help them turn aspirations into reality,” she said..
Attorney Podu Mdluli challenged students to confront barriers that derail ambition. Photo by: Vutlhari Hlungwani
Building on this theme, Attorney Podu Mdluli, the keynote speaker from Podu Mamabolo Attorneys Inc., challenged students to confront personal and social barriers to ambition. Quoting Alvin Toffler, she warned, “The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
She urged students to avoid the “microwave society” mentality of chasing instant results, calling it the enemy of growth. “It’s one thing to dream, but another to live it,” she said, echoing Brian Tracy’s call to “dream big dreams.”
Mdluli’s words resonated with students, including Kopano Sepadi, a Bachelor of Social Work student and peer educator. “Her message hit home,” Sepadi reflected. “I often want instant results, but I now see that patience, effort, and guidance are key to turning my dreams into reality.” Similarly, Hopewell Mnisi, a final-year Public Administration student said, “This event didn’t just inspire me, it gave me steps to face challenges and pursue my goals.”
Panelists unpacked issues of wellbeing, career pitfalls, and academic burnout. Photo by: Vutlhari Hlungwani
A panel discussion followed, delving deeper into issues of wellbeing, career pitfalls, and academic burnout. Communication and Media Studies lecturer Mokgaetji Malopa cautioned against neglecting wellbeing, while Dr. Tebogo Lekota from the Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) reminded students that discipline and balance are just as vital as ambition.
The discussion was followed by an entertaining performance by the Tsa Manyalo dance group and performing arts students, keeping the audience engaged and energized. The performance showcased the university’s vibrant arts scene and provided a welcome break from the intense discussions.
As the event came to a close, Malopa praised the collaborative effort behind the event’s success, noting that it demonstrated the power of unity in supporting students’ growth. For many attendees, the event provided both inspiration and direction
