Lebogang will be representing CUT at the SUSI Civic Engagement from today, 8 January to 12 February 2016 hosted by The University of Nebraska, USA, making her the first student in CUT history to represent the university in this programme.  Lebogang Kekana is a final year NDip Somatology student in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences where she is also a student mentor.  She has been actively involved in student leadership roles from 2014 to 2016 as a Project/Campaign Officer and Academic Officer in the Student Representative Council.  

In 2015, Lebogang became one of the recipients at the Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Awards for her selflessness and commitment during her term as a Project and Campaign Officer. As the first candidate to represent CUT in this programme, Lebogang plans market CUT’s vision 2020 with more emphasis on social and technological innovations as well as socio-economic development. She said, “it is a great honour for me to be the very first person to represent CUT in such a dynamic programme.  This will also allow me an opportunity to introduce my institution to the world. I am a proud student of this unique institution that encourages us to be proactive and learn to be selfless in serving our communities.”

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for international student leaders is an intensive academic programme aimed at providing groups of student leaders with a deeper understanding of the American culture and practices, while simultaneously enhancing their intercultural perspectives and leadership skills.  The programme comprises of a four-week academic residency which participants will produce a tailored civic action plan and one-week study tour in Alabama and Washington, DC.  The site visits include leadership activity sessions, community services, as well as networking.