Khanyisile Mahlangu’s involvement in student governance is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and family background. The Chairperson of the Temporary Student Committee (TSC) at the University of Pretoria (UP), who hails from the small town of Mashishing in Mpumalanga, is pursuing a master’s in Psychology.

Inspired by her mother's activism within their community, Mahlangu’s desire to make a positive impact was further fuelled by her financial challenges during her academic journey. As a young peer advisor and volunteer counsellor, she witnessed first-hand the vital need for mental health support and advocacy, igniting in her a passion to serve and uplift her fellow students.

“My experiences have instilled in me a sense of resilience, and I wanted to use that to help others, especially those who might feel unheard,” she says.

As Chairperson of the TSC, Mahlangu leads efforts to bridge the gap between the student body and the institution. Her role involves overseeing committee activities, addressing student issues and representing students in discussions with the university's administration. Her primary focus is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment, particularly concerning financial needs and mental health support.

"We aim to ensure that all student voices are heard, and that their needs are met," Mahlangu says.

Financial strain is a significant challenge for many students, often leading to academic exclusion and even homelessness. Mahlangu and her committee are dedicated to addressing these issues, alongside promoting mental health awareness and enhancing campus safety. One notable achievement under her leadership is the successful facilitation of the Study Aid Fund, which assists students with initial payment fees. Additionally, they have collaborated with Fly@UP, the Department of Student Affairs to provide emergency food packs, and with TUKSRes to secure housing placements for students.

“We have also successfully launched mental health awareness campaigns and implemented safety measures like increased security patrols and better lighting around campus,” Mahlangu says.

Balancing her responsibilities with her academic pursuits requires careful time management and prioritisation. Mahlangu credits her mentor, Professor Flavia Senkubuge; interim Head of Student Governance at UP Juan-Pierre van der Walt; and her supervisor, Prof Nicoleen Coetzee, for their guidance. Effective delegation and the support of her committee members also play crucial roles in managing her dual responsibilities.

“Maintaining open communication with my supervisor has been crucial, especially during busy periods,” Mahlangu says.

She recognises the numerous challenges facing youth in South Africa, including high unemployment rates, lack of access to quality education and mental health issues. In higher education, financial difficulties and inadequate support systems compound these problems.

“These challenges are made worse by societal issues such as inequality and discrimination, which can hinder students' ability to reach their full potential," she adds.

To prepare youth for the future, Mahlangu advocates for a well-rounded education and resources that promote both academic and personal growth. She emphasises the importance of mentorship programmes, career counselling and apprenticeships, alongside creating a supportive environment for mental health well-being.

"Advocating for policies that address systemic youth-related issues and empowering them with adaptability, technological expertise and critical thinking skills is essential," she says.

In the short term, Mahlangu aims to complete her master’s with distinction while continuing her advocacy work. Long term, she hopes to become a clinical psychologist specialising in student mental health and well-being, further expanding into the public health sector. She also hopes to remain involved in advocacy and policymaking to contribute to systemic changes that will benefit future generations of students.

“I want to be remembered as a leader who brought light and positive change to the student community,” she says. “My legacy should be one of empathy, resilience and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.”