Student leaders empowered with conflict resolution skills

A conflict resolution workshop for student leaders was recently held in Unisa’s North Eastern Region. The workshop was a collaboration between the Department of Student Affairs, Regional Services, the National Students Representative Council (SRC), the Limpopo Regional SRC, and the North Eastern Region.

Attending the workshop were representatives of the Limpopo Regional SRC and the National SRC, and officials from the North Eastern Region and the Office of Dean of Students

The workshop, titled Conflict resolution accord intervention, was aimed at empowering student leaders on conflict resolution intervention mechanisms as well as enhancing the levels of cohesion amongst the members to empower them to work as a united body.

Amongst the speakers were Lizette le Roux (Acting Deputy Director, Student Development), Pindiwe Seloma (Manager, Student Administration, North Eastern Region), Mogau Malatjie (SRC Administrator, Tebogo Mangope (GBV Coordinator, Student Social Development), Amos Monageng (SRC Administrator), Dr Lesiba Molepo (Acting Director, North Eastern Region) and Tokollo Mmamaro (National SRC).

Molepo emphasised the importance of servant leadership and ethical responsibly of student leaders to support students.

Mmamaro encouraged all participants to step into their leadership responsibility and focus on serving students.

Throughout proceedings, speakers touched on a range of elements that are critical to resolving conflicts in a group, e.g. integration, team cohesion, self-awareness, self- care, negotiation, trust, cooperation, collectivism, collegiality, tolerance, respect for one another, and being responsible.

* By Matsobane Madisha (Digital Learning Advisor) and Pindiwe Seloma (Manager, Student Administration)