Dave Lebusa Mamaregane, affectionately known as Dave, was born in the village of Mohlaletse in Limpopo, where his passion for social justice first took root. Mamaregane recently graduated with an undergraduate diploma in security management at the #2024UnisaAutumnGraduations. He outlined that his ambition has always been clear: to use law enforcement as a platform to amplify the voices of the marginalised.

Dave Lebusa Mamaregane

Growing up in Ga-Sekhukhune, Mamaregane was inspired by those who championed social justice causes. This early influence shaped his worldview and ignited a genuine desire to advocate for the rights of the voiceless. With determination and a steadfast commitment to his principles, Mamaregane embarked on a journey to make a difference in his community and beyond.

Hailed as the people's champion, Mamaregane states it's an honour to be given this title. In addition, he says that he is fighting against exploitation against the vulnerable – those who cannot afford the means to have their voices heard in courts. He explains: "I am fighting for workers' rights because I have witnessed many being victimised and taken advantage of, and I wanted to create a movement that fights for the ones without a voice to speak for themselves. I've always yearned to fight for social justice since I was 17. I have always known that my calling is to defend workers so their employers do not take advantage of them."

There are several instances where Mamaregane witnessed labour exploitation first-hand, but one that stuck with him was when he worked for a retail store in Pretoria, where his and fellow workers' salaries kept being deducted on unreasonable grounds and threatened with expulsion. He said that he then confronted his manager alone regarding the shortfall of his salary, "to which", he said, the manager replied: "It's either you take this money, or the door is open."

Voice to speak, strength to fight for workers

"Being a people's champion," says Mamaregane, "sounds like an amazing title next to a name; however, it comes with a lot of pressure because fighting for people's rights has never been an easy task, we put our lives on the line for the rights of our people, because, we can't sit back and do nothing while our people struggle. We have the voice to speak, the strength to fight for and unite them even in difficult situations," says Mamaregane.

His key priorities at the moment are to represent workers, organise workshops for shop-stewards, and, most importantly, to inform workers of their rights and limitations. In the face of socio-economic challenges, Mamaregane identifies greed as a pervasive issue, urging collective action to hold leaders accountable and effect lasting change. He explains: "Our leaders are greedy, and that's why our people are suffering, and my solution to this is to come together as people from all societal strata, stand together and fight for justice."

Toward fellow students, Mamaregane says that it is a privilege to study at Unisa and that they should remember why they are here. He adds: "You should keep in mind that attending a university is not mostly about being an academic but finding one's socio-economic contribution in the tapestry of our country's rich history. Allow yourself to be taught, see failure as an opportunity for growth, and most importantly, keep an open mind."

Mamaregane's journey exemplifies resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of advocacy and unity in pursuit of a more just society, which is in line with the university's vision to raise leaders who serve people in the spirit of humanity.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement