09 April 2025 | Story: Qhawekazi Memani | Photo: Naledi Nkosi.
3 minutes read time.
At just 21 years old, Mr Lekota Godfrey Mathiba is already known for his maturity, compassion, and commitment to making a difference. Hailing from the small township of Kameelrevier A in KwaNdebele, Mpumalanga, Mr Mathiba has spent the last few years shaping his journey through leadership and service —and he graduates from Vaal University of Technology (VUT) with a Diploma in Logistics and a story that inspires.
As the Deputy Secretary-General of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Mr Mathiba wears multiple hats: student, leader, advocate, and changemaker. For him, the decision to step into student leadership was personal.
“I joined the SRC because I genuinely care about students’ challenges,” Mr Mathiba explains. “I wanted to be a voice for students who felt unheard, especially those struggling financially, battling mental health issues, or simply trying to access basic resources like textbooks and study materials.”
Mr Mathiba doesn’t just speak about change — he lives it. His leadership style is rooted in empathy, and his goal is clear: to help build an inclusive, student-centred campus environment where no one feels left behind. Whether championing better mental health support or fighting for access to academic tools, he always keeps students at the heart of his mission.
But the journey isn’t without challenges. Balancing the heavy responsibilities of student governance with his academic workload tested his discipline and resilience. “Time management became everything,” he says. “I had to create a strict schedule to avoid falling behind in either area. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.”
Beyond the logistics of balancing duties, there was also the emotional toll. Many of the issues brought to Mr Mathiba by fellow students were deeply personal and painful. “Sometimes, it was overwhelming to hear just how much some students were going through. I had to grow emotionally, learning how to empathise without becoming consumed. That’s where emotional intelligence became one of my most valuable tools.”
Leadership also brings moments of tension, disagreements, criticism, pressure and all are part of the package. But Lekota’s approach is always calm and solution driven. “I learned to listen actively, stay composed, and focus on collaboration instead of conflict. That makes all the difference.”
When asked about his proudest achievement, he doesn’t highlight a personal accolade, instead, he speaks about collective success. “I’m most proud of the unity we built within the SRC. We created a team that worked together, supports one another, and cares. That, to me, is more powerful than any individual win.”
The impact of SRC leadership on Mr Mathiba’s growth is undeniable. He has acquired a diploma at VUT and sharpened leadership skills, greater self-confidence, and a deeper understanding of the realities students face in higher education.
“Being in the SRC taught me how to lead, how to listen, how to speak up, and how to stand firm in my values. It made me a better communicator and more empathetic person and prepared me for whatever challenges lie ahead.”
To those considering joining student leadership, Lekota has a message: “Do it for the right reasons. Care about the people you want to represent. Learn to manage your time, communicate clearly, listen with your heart, and never stop growing. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.”
As he looks to the future, Mr Mathiba carries with him not just the knowledge from his Logistics diploma, but the wisdom and experience of someone who dared to lead with purpose. His story is one of hope, service, and the power of student voice – a legacy that will undoubtedly continue long after graduation.
Congratulations, Mr Lekota Godfrey Mathiba. The journey doesn’t end here – it’s only just beginning.
