As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, the University of Pretoria (UP) is spotlighting young leaders who are shaping the present and reimagining the future. One such individual is Vhutshilo Muambadzi, President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), whose commitment to student empowerment reflects the courage and resilience of young people, as honoured on Youth Day.

Muambadzi, who hails from Johannesburg, is completing her final year of the LLB programme at UP, having previously obtained a BCom Law degree. Her foray into student leadership was driven by a desire to serve and uplift others in a meaningful way.

“I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” she says. “Being in leadership has allowed me to create spaces where students feel seen, heard and supported. It’s not about holding a title – it’s about showing up for others.”

Muambadzi’s vision of leadership is rooted in servanthood and collaboration – values that resonate with the historical significance of 16 June 1976. For her, Youth Day is both a tribute to the past and a call to action for the present.

“Youth Day is a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of young people who stood up against injustice,” she says. “It challenges us, this current generation, to reflect on what we’re doing with the freedoms they fought for. Young people today are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today. We are enough, we are capable and we carry the legacy of those who came before us by continuing to fight for a better future.”

In her role as SRC President, Muambadzi has encountered the complex realities that many students face, from financial hardship to the emotional toll of academic pressure. She is especially attuned to the burden many young people feel to have their lives mapped out, despite systemic obstacles such as unemployment and unequal access to resources.

“There’s constant pressure to ‘have it all figured out’ in an environment where opportunities can sometimes feel out of reach. But I also see an incredible amount of resilience in our generation. We are creative, socially aware and willing to challenge the status quo.”

A particular highlight in her leadership journey has been the launch of A Re Ageng Bokamoso, a student-led campaign to raise R5 million in support of financially excluded students. The initiative focused on helping students make initial registration payments, providing tangible relief and hope to many.

For Muambadzi, empowerment starts with listening. 

“We cannot serve students effectively if we don’t understand their realities. Our role as the SRC is not just to advocate, but to walk alongside students and remind them that they are not alone.”

The SRC’s work includes pushing for increased financial support, addressing food insecurity and tackling accommodation concerns, all while encouraging students to see themselves as leaders.

“Youth leadership today is about being values-driven, impact-focused and people-centred,” Muambadzi says. “It’s no longer about being at the top – it’s about leading from wherever you are.”

Looking to the future, she envisions a generation of young leaders who are unafraid to lead with empathy and authenticity. 

“We are becoming more intentional. I see young people who are bold enough to challenge injustice, but grounded enough to lead with heart.”

As she reflects on Youth Month, her message to South Africa’s young people is one of encouragement and empowerment: “You are more powerful than you know. Don’t wait for permission to step into your power. Take up space, ask the difficult questions and dream big, even when it scares you. And above all, lift others as you rise.”