Alice, Eastern Cape

 The University of Fort Hare is witnessing a transformative shift in student leadership with the rise of Young Brightest Motivated Minds (YBM). This non-political organization, unaffiliated with any political entity, has been a beacon of intellectual discourse, grooming young leaders, and fostering debates within the university. YBM’s mission is clear: to serve students, ensure service delivery, and work collaboratively with the student body.

YBM’s journey began with a vision to bridge the gap between student governance and the actual needs of the students. The leaders of YBM recognized that the traditional system of voting often overshadowed student interests. Motivated by this realization, YBM decided to participate in the student elections, believing that students should have the power to choose their own leaders. Their ideology is simple yet profound: to serve students and ensure that leaders work with, not just for, the student body.

During the recent student elections, YBM’s campaign was driven by the slogans “Putting Student Development First” and “Impossible is Nothing When We Come Together.” Their core message was to break the cycle of voting for logos and instead focus on electing leaders who genuinely represent student interests. YBM engaged with students through a strategy of visiting every residence, holding res-to-res consultations, and addressing student concerns directly. This hands-on approach ensured that every student’s problem was heard and addressed.

One of the key strategies that contributed to YBM’s success was involving the previous president, Liso Ndiki, who served as the residence officer. His belief in YBM’s vision and mission resonated with the students, making the consultations more impactful. YBM’s presence was felt long before the SRC elections, as they consistently invaded every space, ensuring their message reached all corners of the university.

Looking ahead, YBM has set ambitious priorities for the upcoming academic year. Their top goal is to engage with all leaders within the university, bringing them together to share a unified vision centered on service delivery and transparency. YBM plans to empower the student body through various campaigns and ensure that students are kept informed about all activities.

Addressing pressing student concerns is at the forefront of YBM’s agenda. For academic support, YBM advocates for students to organize and help one another before seeking external assistance. They emphasize the importance of peer support to ensure that no student struggles alone. On the issue of fees, YBM pushes for the incoming SRC to advocate for funding sources like the Motshepe funding, with strict oversight by the SRC treasurer and the Finance department.

Accommodation is another critical area of focus for YBM. They plan to be present during the registration period to ensure that all students receive accommodation. YBM is pushing for a policy that guarantees non-residence allowances for students who do not secure on-campus housing. They also advocate for the university to acquire additional buildings to accommodate the growing student population.

YBM has several new initiatives in the pipeline, including a gardening project aimed at supporting unfunded students. They also plan to provide one meal a week to unfunded students, with the goal of eventually offering one meal per day. These initiatives reflect YBM’s commitment to addressing student needs holistically.

The newly elected YBM leadership team is led by Ndabula Olwethu, with Bandile Sontsela serving as the coordinator and secretary, and Gungxwana as the media communicator. This dedicated team is committed to ensuring accountability and transparency within the organization by holding regular meetings and maintaining open communication with students. Despite the challenges that come with leadership, YBM is prepared to address criticism and opposition by engaging directly with students on the ground, rather than through social media. They believe in the importance of face-to-face interactions to understand and address concerns.

YBM envisions a student landscape at the University of Fort Hare that is collaborative and student-centered. They hope to leave a legacy of service, inspiring confidence in young leaders and fostering a culture of leadership that prioritizes student needs. To the supporters of YBM, the organization extends heartfelt gratitude for their trust and confidence. To those who opposed YBM, they invite open dialogue to share their vision and mission, hoping to win their support in the future. Students can stay informed about YBM’s activities through WhatsApp groups (Young Brightest Motivated Minds) and on Facebook. YBM remains committed to serving the student body and ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs met.