Grounded Leader with Radical Plans for UL Students
“The peoples presidents, who makes the pots happen”
By Lesedi Mothapo & Abba Amoorh
In a world that seems to always be in a rush, and leadership is often synonymous with power, Kamogelo Poto, the newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC) President at the University of Limpopo, embodies a rare blend of humility, passion, and radical action. With a background that echoes the struggles of many students. His journey of being the SRC President was unplanned, but his purpose is unmistakable!
“My journey into politics wasn’t something I planned for. It was about wanting to help and stand up for others, and the rest followed,” he shares with a sense of modesty.
Raised in Zebediela, Poto is the youngest in his family, a background that built his character and fostered a sense of community responsibility. His early years were spent moving between Mamelodi, where he attended school, and the villages of Limpopo.
“My first job was at Nando’s,” he recalls, “working there taught me responsibility and discipline. I value those early days; they shaped me.”
Despite his steady climb to leadership, Kamogelo remains relatable to many students on campus. He’s a huge soccer fan and an ardent supporter of Mamelodi Sundowns. Politics, however, was something he found himself drawn to in Grade 9, inspired by reading daily newspapers and books on South Africa’s political struggles.
“I started reading ‘Black Consciousness’ by Steve Biko; it pursued me to learn more about apartheid, about the struggles of apartheid and the heroes who fought for our freedom. It made me realize how I could play a role in the ongoing struggle for justice.”
His political awareness grew alongside South Africa’s own political awakening, particularly with the emergence of the #FeesMustFall movement during his high school years in 2015. Witnessing the passion of students calling for accessible education inspired him to participate, seeing the cause as vital not only for his future but for generations that would follow.
UL 2024/5 SRC President Kamogelo Poto during SRC team-building session
“To me, politics isn’t just about occupying power,” he explains. “It’s a tool to change society, to better lives, to make an impact.” Reflecting on his revolutionary ideals, he quotes Karl Marx:
“The duty of a revolutionary is to better humankind.”
He didn’t grow up with the idea of becoming a politician, though. As a child, Poto dreamt of being a teacher, inspired by his mother. I’m studying to become a teacher now. Growing up, there weren’t many career choices, but my mom encouraged me to pursue teaching,” he recalls.
For Poto, politics began with a dedication to service, which only grew stronger over time. “When I arrived at UL in 2021, I was an activist, already knew where I stood. I even came in my EFFSC regalia because I had been active in the Student Command at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). I didn’t need anyone to recruit me; I was there to serve.”
Since then, his journey at UL has been intentional and humble. In 2021, he was elected as the Secretary of the School of Education, in 2022, he became Chairperson of the school of education. “Each role gave me more exposure, and students noticed my dedication. How I have been leading since I my appointment as secretary is what I believe brought me to this position.” he reflects.
In 2023 he was elected as the chairperson of faculty of Humanities, the ‘university’s largest school’ Poto adds, “At the end of my term as Chairperson, students saw me as their next president.”
“The call to serve was too loud to ignore. It was time to answer and support my people.”
While Poto never actively sought the presidency, he felt the calling to lead, a responsibility he couldn’t ignore.
“I did not seek out the role, but I knew I had to step up and serve my people when they asked me to. The goal was to focus on my studies but the call to serve was too loud to ignore. It was time to answer and support my people.”
He sees his presidency as more than just a title; it’s a chance to connect with a diverse student body, to understand their struggles, and to advocate for their needs with empathy. “To be president is to have the power to make a difference in the ordinary lives of the masses. That’s what keeps me going.”
Balancing the demands of being a friend, son, sibling, and leader hasn’t always been easy. “Being SRC President is a full-time job,” he admits, but he’s fortunate that most of his friends share his passion for politics. “I don’t have a life outside of politics, but I don’t mind,” he says with a grin. “Most of my friends are in politics, so we all understand the demands.”
Now as SRC President, Poto is focused on using his position to drive real change. His plans centre on issues affecting students daily, such as financial exclusion, student safety, and access to necessities. “My goal is to make sure no student is excluded from education because of financial constraints, and that those living off-campus feel safe and supported,” he asserts. Additionally, he wants the SRC to advocate for monthly provision of sanitary towels, ensuring that students’ basic needs are met.
Poto’s leadership style is heavily influenced by the political education he received from the EFF Student Command. “We’re taught to be radical, robust, and militant,” he says firmly, making it clear that his approach to leadership is unapologetically assertive. For Kamogelo, radicalism isn’t just a word, it’s a commitment to action, even if it means taking to the streets to protest for student rights. “At all times, we must put students’ interests first,” he emphasises. His vision for change may be bold, but it’s fuelled by a profound sense of duty to challenge injustices and push for the rights of every student on campus.
Under his leadership, UL’s SRC president promises to be a force for real change, through the principles of EFFSC but inclusive of all students, he’s committed to leaving the University of Limpopo better than he found it. Guided by the EFFSC’s core principles, he’s focused on introducing policies that will continue benefiting students long after he leaves office.
“We want to be remembered as leaders who made education accessible for everyone, regardless of background,” he states confidently.
Looking to the future, the President says he has no personal expectations from politics. “I came into politics without expectations, and I want to keep it that way. For me, politics isn’t about rewards it’s about real service. After I complete my studies, I plan to go back to my community and serve them. Politics as a career isn’t my goal, it’s about genuine service.”
To aspiring student leaders, he advises, “Don’t join politics with expectations, joining politics with expectations can drain your passion. Serve with respect, humility, and let your hard work speak for itself serve without expectations. Recognition will come naturally.”
Through his role as SRC President, Kamogelo Poto aims to make the University of Limpopo a place where every student feels valued, empowered, and supported. For him, this journey is about more than just a title; it’s about creating lasting change and leaving a legacy that future students can look up to.
“We want to be remembered as leaders who made education accessible for everyone, regardless of background.”
Fact Box: Get to Know your president
- Name: Kamogelo Poto
- Position: SRC President, University of Limpopo
- Academic Background: Currently studying BEd , University of Limpopo
- Previous Roles: Secretary, School of Education; Chairperson, Faculty of Humanities
- Inspiration: Steve Biko’s “Black Consciousness”
- Hobbies: Soccer enthusiast, Mamelodi Sundowns supporter
- Leadership Philosophy: To serve with respect, humility, and radical action
- Goal: Ensure accessible education for all, regardless of background
