Lanché van Tonder is not merely managing student life at the residences of the University of Pretoria (UP) – as Head of Residence Management and Student Life, he is cultivating vibrant communities where future leaders develop. Having recently completed an MPhil in Responsible Leadership, Van Tonder’s professional journey demonstrates how dedicated leadership can transform student accommodation into environments that foster lifelong success.

Since April 2015, Van Tonder has facilitated the residence management and student life portfolio of the Department of Residence Affairs and Accommodation’s 29 residences, which house more than 8 000 students. He combines strategic governance with a comprehensive understanding of student development, establishing environments where academic achievement harmonises with personal growth.

“I’ve learned that leadership is often about stepping back to give others the opportunity to first solve their own challenges in a supportive environment,” he says. “Empowering students to take initiative, whether through leading events or resolving conflicts, builds their confidence and strengthens the community they live in.”

Van Tonder’s influence extends beyond South African borders. In his capacity as Globalisation Director for the Association of College and University Housing Officers International, he functions as an ambassador for campus housing professionals worldwide, facilitating cross-cultural relationships in student accommodation. His expertise has also enabled him to co-direct the Southern African Student Housing Training Institute, where he imparts valuable insights to housing professionals throughout the region.

The synergy between his academic pursuits and professional experience affords Van Tonder a distinctive perspective on leadership development. His MPhil in Responsible Leadership, completed in 2024, complements his daily work of nurturing student potential. Currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership, he continues to enhance his understanding of how responsible governance can elevate the broader university community.

“My journey to an MPhil in Responsible Leadership at UP was shaped by curiosity about how leadership can drive positive change, especially in nurturing the potential of others,” he explains. “Working with students daily, I see first-hand how thoughtful guidance sparks their growth and confidence.”

Van Tonder’s legal background – he holds an LLB from UP – adds another dimension to his work, particularly regarding conflict resolution. 

“When addressing conflicts in a residence, I prioritise empathy and try to understand where the conflict had originated. I begin by listening to all the parties involved in order to understand the core issue, ensuring each person feels heard. Then I allow for open, respectful dialogue to explore solutions that honour everyone’s perspectives.”

The outcomes of his work are self-evident. Students who initially present as reserved or uncertain, frequently develop into confident leaders through participation in residence initiatives. Parents regularly observe a remarkable development in their children – a testament to the transformative impact of the residential experience under Van Tonder’s guidance.

He recognises that setbacks and mistakes constitute essential components of student development. By providing both challenge and support, he exemplifies the responsible leadership he advocates. In a higher education landscape characterised by increasing complexity, Van Tonder’s combination of practical management experience, international perspective and academic rigour represents a significant asset to UP and the broader student housing community.