By Shonani Mufamadi
The University of Limpopo’s residence assistants and house committee chairpersons gathered at Bolivia Lodge for the official 2025 induction—a powerful launch into a year focused on service, student advocacy, and impactful leadership. Organised by the Department of Residence Administration and Catering, the induction brought together vital student support departments—Campus Health and Wellness, Centre for Student Counselling and Development, Gender Desk, Safety and Security, Student Representative Council, and Customer Care—under a shared mission: to empower leaders to serve with purpose and understand their responsibilities, not just titles.
Management and departmental representatives who facilitated the 2025 Residence Leadership Induction Programme. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
With over 7,000 students currently living in university residences, the induction addressed urgent issues confronting campus life such gender-based violence, mental health, student safety, hygiene, and responsible leadership – equipping leaders with the ethics, knowledge, understanding, and passion needed to deal with those challenges and help foster safe, supportive, and vibrant residence communities and safeguard students ‘well-being.
2025 Residence Leaders stand united in their mandate to protect, serve, and support—ensuring dignity, safety, and well-being for all students. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
One of the central themes was the call to action against gender-based violence. Dr Ngwako Rapakwana from the Gender Desk urged leaders to promote equality and take a stand against GBV, hate speech, cyberbullying, and sexual or any form of harassment. Her message struck a chord with many. “AS MEN, WE HAVE TO BE PROTECTORS, NOT Predators, THIS INDUCTION MADE ME REALISE HOW MUCH OUR FEMALE STUDENTS COUNT ON US FOR SAFETY” said Bapela Thabang, a floor representative.“
Chipu Lentsoane echoed this sentiment: “I’M HERE TO FIGHT GBV. I WILL REPORT ANY HARASSMENT AND FOLLOW UP UNTIL JUSTICE IS DONE.” Mental health also featured prominently. Clinical psychologist Ms Dorothy Malemela encouraged leaders to create safe spaces, observe signs of distress, and collaborate with peer counsellors.
Campus Health’s Mahlodi Maphakela called for daily wellness conversations in residences, addressing rising health cases, hygiene, and infection prevention.
Mahlodi Maphakela, Clinical Nurse Practitioner, encouraged leaders to promote health awareness, prevent infections, and support safe sex and healthy relationships in residences. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
Safety and Security Chairperson Lucky Mkheswa reinforced vigilance. “YOU ARE VITAL TO OUR SAFETY FRAMEWORK, YOU’RE THE EYES AND EARS OF THIS UNIVERSITY AND REPORT VANDALISM, ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, OR SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR SWIFTLY,” he urged.
Lucky Mkheswa, Chairperson for Safety and Security urged residence leaders to promote responsible conduct, report misconduct, and act as vigilant protectors of student safety on and off campus. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
Professor Maria Kanjere reminded leaders to balance academic and leadership demands, “SET BOUNDARIES WITHOUT GUILT. LEADERSHIP ISN’T ABOUT TITLES—IT’S ABOUT LISTENING, KNOWING YOUR POLICIES, AND SERVING WITH CLARITY AND COMPASSION.”
Prof. Maria Kanjere, Spoke on customer care and leadership, reminding assistants that true leadership is service-driven. She encouraged compassion, clear communication, and strong knowledge of housing policies. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
This resonated with Koketso Mtileni, a floor representative, “STUDENTS MUST FEEL HEARD HOWEVER I ENCOURAGE THEM TO ATTEND FLOOR MEETINGS AS WELL SO WE CAN ADDRESS ISSUES.”
Despite delays caused by procurement issues, the induction proved essential. “THIS WAS WORTH THE WAIT,” said residence manager Kgone Lemekoana, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on drugs and the importance of regulating visitors. “IF ANYTHING THREATENS OUR SPACE, ACT FAST— IT IS OUR DUTY TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE IN OUR SPACE.”
As the induction closed, one truth was clear: UL’s 2025 residence leaders are not just assistants—they are protectors, advocates, and agents of change.
