Sol Plaatje University (SPU), through its Division of Student Affairs, is hosting the second annual Kopano Ya Dinaledi Leadership Programme which opened on Youth Day 16 June 2025. The alignment reinforces SPU’s commitment to cultivating student leaders who are socially conscious, globally aware, and equipped to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Taking place over six days Kopano Ya Dinaledi – meaning “The Gathering of Stars” in Setswana – is designed to sharpen students’ leadership skills through immersive learning, critical reflection and active community engagement.
A cohort of 100 SPU students was selected following a rigorous application and vetting process that considered academic performance, leadership experience and motivation for social impact. These participants are engaging in a programme that combines expert-led masterclasses, thought-provoking dialogues and real-world outreach projects.
The opening day featured the Youth@SAIIA G20 Roadshow, spotlighting South Africa’s historic role as host of the 2025 G20 Presidency. Mr Moeketsi Koahlela, a representative of the Y20 South Africa engagement group, delivered an insightful presentation introducing students to both the G20 and the Y20 – the official youth platform of the G20. He emphasised the significance of the Y20 Summit taking place for the first time on African soil in August 2025 and its potential to shape global policy agendas through youth-led perspectives.
Mr Koahlela highlighted five priority themes that will shape the upcoming Y20 Summit: climate change and environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth and employment, digital innovation and the future of work, meaningful youth engagement and multilateral reform, and inclusive social development. He noted that these themes reflect not only global challenges, but also the developmental priorities of South Africa and the broader African continent.
Following the presentation and thematic panel discussions, SPU students engaged in collaborative workshops to develop their own G20 Youth Statements, adding their voices to the national youth consultations contributing toward South Africa’s official Y20 engagement process.
The remainder of the programme continues with sessions focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, personal mastery, ethical leadership, environmental stewardship and concludes with community outreach presentations to local non-governmental organisations.
“Kopano Ya Dinaledi is not just a leadership programme – it is an intentional platform for shaping socially conscious, future-ready student leaders. Through every masterclass, dialogue and outreach activity, we are building the capacity of young people to lead with integrity, respond to real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.” – Mr Buntu Mnyaka, SPU’s Senior Manager: Student Life and Development
