Bloemfontein SRC President, Liyabona Nkatshase leading by example.

CUT proudly celebrates SRC President, Liyabona Nkatshase, on the successful completion of his Postgraduate Certificate in Education, an achievement shaped not only by academic dedication, but by resilience, servant leadership, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.

Raised in the dusty streets of Ezibeleni in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, Liyabona’s journey is both deeply personal and profoundly transformative. Reflecting on this milestone, he shares, “This moment means everything to me. It is not just about completing a qualification, but about the journey, the sacrifices, and the growth that came with it.”

Like many students, he encountered moments of doubt, pressure, and uncertainty. However, what distinguished his experience was the added weight of leadership. As SRC President, he carried not only his own aspirations, but also the voices, concerns, and expectations of the student body. His leadership was not symbolic, it was active, visible, and grounded in daily engagement with student realities.

Student leadership, for Liyabona, became a platform for advocacy, accountability, and impact. He stood at the intersection of student needs and institutional processes, often navigating complex challenges while striving to ensure that no student voice went unheard. This role demanded emotional intelligence, courage, and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure.

The Nkatshase family from left, Ms Nomfundo (mom), Liyabona (SRC President) and Sivuyisiwe (sister). 

Balancing academic commitments with the demands of leadership proved to be one of the most defining challenges of his journey. “Students look up to you, and sometimes you have to carry issues that are bigger than yourself,” he reflects. His academic journey enriched his leadership perspective, while his leadership experiences gave deeper meaning to his studies. Together, they shaped a holistic path of growth and impact.

Importantly, Liyabona came to understand that his roles as a student and as a leader were not separate but deeply interconnected. Today, as he advances with his Honours degree in Education Management, Liyabona carries more than an academic qualification. He embodies the essence of student leadership, resilient, purpose driven, and committed to transformation. His journey stands as a powerful reminder that true leadership is not defined by position, but by the courage to serve, the strength to persevere, and the vision to uplift others.