Former two-term University of Pretoria (UP) Student Representative Council (SRC) President David Kabwa has been selected to be part of the 2022 United Nations (UN) UNITE 2030 Ambassadors Programme. The initiative brings together young change-makers for a 12-month programme that aims to strengthen action in order to achieve the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2015, the UN created a blueprint – called the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – for the world that it would like to see, one that is free from poverty, inequality and climate change. It is hoped that these goals will be achieved by 2030; the UN believes that the way to achieve this is by tapping into the next generation.

“Ambassadors represent their country while creating a deeper link between the UNITE 2030 community and its members,” Kabwa explains. “It is the responsibility of each country’s ambassador to take our impact to new heights, strengthening engagement at a grassroots level, all while accelerating our collective work for the SDGs.”

UNITE 2030 has four core tenets: community, leadership, innovation and impact. “Among these beliefs is the fact that UNITE 2030 does not create leaders – it amplifies their voices,” the 24-year-old says. “UNITE 2030 supports young leaders that are making a meaningful impact in their space; this is what attracted me to this initiative.”

Kabwa learnt about UNITE 2030 from a former colleague in the Commonwealth Youth Parliament. He applied and was subsequently short-listed before being interviewed and offered the role, which requires him to generate regional collaboration, facilitate action for the SDGs and curate community opportunities.

He says that he has been doing a lot of work in relation to the SDGs. “For example, in 2021, the Hope Givers Foundation in association with Brand South Africa presented me with the Raising Legends Award in the Advocacy, Academia and Leadership category for anti-gender-based violence work conducted through the Boy Child initiative.” 

In 2020, Kabwa graduated with a Bachelor of Political Sciences degree, and in 2021, an honours degree in International Relations. He is studying towards a master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies at the Centre for Mediation in Africa, which is based in UP’s Department of Political Sciences.

Getting his qualifications at UP set him apart from other graduates, he says. “Student leadership at UP is operational in nature. Student leaders formulate and run their own programmes rather than simply being the student rep on existing programmes. I recall answering questions at a press conference in India in 2019, and my peers being blown away. When asked how I managed to conduct myself with such ease, I said: ‘Critical engagements are our bread and butter at my institution.’”

As for the role of alumni, he says that they should help to develop the UP community. “The UP community extends beyond the campus gates to civil society groups. Building bridges within the community were crucial during my time in the SRC. Alumni can build bridges that will create paths that students might not have had before. This role is imperative.”

Kabwa says his love of politics was influenced by his time as SRC president. “I got involved in politics because I did not like the way politics was shaping up in our country,” he says. “I have seen first-hand how impactful it is to put one’s ego aside and remember that the greatest leaders are the humblest servants. My passion emanates from the belief that I am called to serve, and I shall serve with all my heart.”