2024/2025 Executive Committee

Precious Dimpho Tlhwaele - Chairperson

 

My name is Precious Dimpho Tlhwaele. I joined Health House because I had always wanted to be a part of something that impacts or brings about a change in student life. My goals for the term are to take Health House to greater heights by making it more recognisable and accessible to students, as it has been in the background for far too long. I stand by the Bible verse that says, “A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation.” Being in the health science faculty has taught me the importance of resilience and perseverance. It has also taught me the importance of community. In my term as Chairperson, i would like to gain leadership skills, a strong character and hopefully more growth.

 

Zack van Heerden - Vice Chairperson & Academic Officer 


I decided to be a part of Health House because I am passionate about fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for students in the health sciences. I wanted to contribute to a community where academic success, personal growth, and collaboration are prioritized. Health House offers a platform to make a tangible impact on the lives of students while also representing their needs and aspirations. During my term, I aim to strengthen the connection between students and leadership by improving communication channels and fostering active engagement. I want to create initiatives that enhance academic support while also promoting a sense of belonging and recognition for Health House within the broader university community. One of the most positive aspects of being part of this faculty is the sense of purpose and dedication shared by everyone. The commitment to making a difference in the healthcare field creates an inspiring atmosphere where students and staff work together to overcome challenges and achieve excellence. As Gandhi said, 'Be the change that you wish to see in the world.'

 

Deveshni Naicker - Vice-Chairperson


My name is Deveshni Naicker, Vice Chairperson for the 2024/2025 term. From the moment I was elected to be a member of the Health House committee, I was excited to learn about the ways in which I could contribute to students’ lives positively. My favourite quote is “Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.” ~ Roy T. Bennett. I believe that we never know what we are truly capable of until we try new things, and there is always something new to learn from every experience. Throughout this term, I would like to assist students and improve student life while using this opportunity to improve my skills. It has always been my dream to be a part of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and I am honoured to be a part of Health House. 

 

Blessing Matabane - Secretary

As a proud student of the Faculty of Health Sciences, I joined Health House because I believe that representation in student leadership is crucial for fostering change. An aspect I cherish most about being a student in this faculty is its lively community of students committed to enhancing lives through health and innovation through research. Throughout my term, my main objective will be to ensure that every student feels acknowledged and appreciated, fostering an environment where inclusivity flourishes. Simon Sinek once said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge” and I will strive to embody this in everything I do.

 

Murunwa Simango - Treasurer

I’m Murunwa Simango, proud to serve as the treasurer of Health House for the 2024/25 term. My motivation for joining Health House is rooted in a commitment to serving the student body with excellence while upholding the core values of inclusivity, transparency, and adaptability. These principles will guide me in ensuring a successful term. My primary goal is to build trust and cooperation between the Health House executive committee and all stakeholders in our school environment. I aim to enhance student engagement in our community initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging and active participation. I strongly believe in the power of unity. As Rudyard Kipling wisely said, “The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” In the same way, the strength of Health House lies in its people and their shared unity. Together, we can achieve great things.

 

Tirhani Maswangayi - Sub-house Liason

 

Joining Health House was a dream come true for me because it represents an opportunity to touch many lives in ways that shape their everyday experiences as students. I am passionate about fostering connections—between sub-houses, Health House, and the departments—to build a strong, unified community. Being part of the Health Faculty is a privilege; how incredible is it that I get to touch real human hearts in this journey? Through this term, I hope to gain the ability to organize and execute large-scale events successfully, honing my leadership and teamwork skills. A word that resonates deeply with me is: 'You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.' (Matthew 5:14, NKJV). This verse reminds me of the importance of shining brightly and leading by example, and I strive to embody that light in all that I do.

 

Khanyisa Mathe - Transformation Officer

I decided to be a part of health house because I'm passionate about leadership and I saw it as an opportunity I could use to further serve my fellow students and to develop my own character and work ethic. I love Health Sciences as a faculty because as much as we are distanced from other campuses with a more diverse student population, we are still a close-knit community that looks out for one another, and we really understand each other so well. A quote that I like is, "there is nothing you can't do if you put your mind, heart and prayer into".

I would love to gain more leadership experience from our term and just an understanding of how to put others first better.

 

 

Atlehang Tladie - Community Engagement Officer

 


 

I joined Health House to contribute to something greater than myself and practice servant leadership within the Faculty of Health Sciences. My goal is to create impactful community engagement initiatives that leave a lasting legacy while fostering participation. Being part of this faculty inspires me through its shared commitment to health and service. Something that resonates with me is the analogy of the pig and chicken in a breakfast of bacon and eggs—the pig is fully committed, while the chicken is only involved. It reminds me of the importance of true dedication and giving my all to what matters most. Through this experience, I hope to grow in leadership and teamwork whilst making a meaningful impact along the way.

 

 

Rea-Megan Mmekwa - Sport Officer

 

 

I am Reabetswe (Rea) Megan Mmekwa, the Sports Officer. I joined Health House to challenge myself and be part of something greater, with the hope of making a meaningful impact within the faculty for the student body. A quote that resonates deeply with me is, “Growth and comfort cannot coexist.”

I believe growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. As we do, the unknown and the frightening gradually become our new normal. While the pursuit of excellence often brings discomfort, the fulfilment and growth it fosters far outweigh the challenges. Stepping out of my comfort zone to apply as a student leader was a pivotal moment for me, and I remind myself of this quote whenever the journey feels impossible or overwhelming.

 
 

Liya Vally - Marketing & Social Officer

 

 

My journey in student leadership began during my term as a subhouse Marketing Officer, which ignited my passion for serving our student body and led to me being elected into the Health House EC. Through my roles as both Marketing and Social officer over the 2024/2025 term, I am working to encourage students to participate in social activities, community service, and sports in addition to their academics, in order to live a balanced campus lifestyle. “May the flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary” is a quote by Xan Oku that is a constant reminder to me that the hardships and difficulties that sometimes seem impossible to overcome are what makes us stronger and brings us to our goals in the end - something I’m sure I’ll be keeping in mind throughout the term.

 

 

Buisiwe Pokothoane - External Culture Officer
 


I joined Health House to contribute to a team dedicated to positively reshaping student culture within our faculty. My goal is to foster a sense of inclusion, where students feel connected, share stories, and engage meaningfully within their community. One of the things I love most about being part of this faculty is that we are united by a shared purpose: improving the lives of others. Being surrounded by peers who have chosen to dedicate their lives to this mission is both inspiring and motivating. A quote that resonates deeply with me is, "If you truly value something, stay committed," as it reminds me to remain steadfast in my goals and efforts. Through this experience as an Executive Council member, I aim to grow as a leader while making a tangible impact on at least one person in this incredible community.

 

 

Kananelo Maitin - Internal Culture Officer

 

 

I joined Health House because I wanted to contribute to something bigger than myself. My favourite thing about our faculty is that it allows us to know, understand, and embrace community. Through this role, I hope to strengthen that sense of connection while growing as a leader and contributing to student life. I resonate most with the verse Jeremiah 29:11, which reminds me of the importance of hope and purpose in everything we do.

- Author Liya Vally

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