Ayanda Nkabinde, the Student Campus Council (SCC) societies liaison and international students representative at North-West University's Mahikeng Campus, has been selected for a prestigious African leadership program taking place in Liberia. Ms. Nkabinde is among 150 young leaders chosen from across the continent for this opportunity. Her selection shows her dedication to student representation and leadership within the university community. "I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been chosen to represent South Africa," Nkabinde stated, adding, "Coming from a background where I have always been passionate about leadership, youth development and creating opportunities for others, this selection is a reminder that hard work and commitment can open doors beyond one's immediate environment." She also remarked, "Being in a room with young leaders from across Africa is inspiring, and I look forward to bringing back the knowledge, networks and experiences that will help me contribute even more meaningfully to my community and to South Africa."
Program Details and Scope
The program Ayanda Nkabinde was selected for is the 2026 Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS-Africa). YPLS-Africa operates as a pan-African leadership development program. The initiative focuses on cultivating leadership skills, enhancing governance understanding, promoting democratic principles, facilitating policy development, and encouraging youth participation in advancing Africa's development agenda. This full approach aims to equip young leaders with the tools necessary to drive positive change across the continent. For 2026, the program's theme is designated as “Empowering the Future: From Learning to Leadership for Africa’s Agenda 2063”. This theme notes the program's commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders capable of shaping Africa's future. The 2026 edition of YPLS-Africa will mark the program's tenth anniversary, celebrating a decade of empowering young African voices. Since its inception in 2016, YPLS-Africa has provided training to more than 1,200 young politicians, civic leaders, and change-makers across the continent, building a strong network of influential individuals. The program is scheduled to run from June 8 to June 13, offering an intensive period of learning and networking.
Ayanda Nkabinde's Role
Ayanda Nkabinde is currently a Bachelor of Arts Honours student at North-West University, specializing in communication with journalism and media studies. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her leadership roles and her ability to articulate complex issues. As the Student Campus Council (SCC) societies liaison and international students representative at the Mahikeng Campus, Ms. Nkabinde has demonstrated a proactive approach to student welfare and engagement. Ms. Nkabinde expressed her gratitude for the selection, stating, "I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been chosen to represent South Africa." She emphasized her longstanding commitment to leadership and youth development, noting, "Coming from a background where I have always been passionate about leadership, youth development and creating opportunities for others, this selection is a reminder that hard work and commitment can open doors beyond one's immediate environment." Looking ahead, Ms. Nkabinde articulated her aspirations for the program's impact, saying, "Being in a room with young leaders from across Africa is inspiring, and I look forward to bringing back the knowledge, networks and experiences that will help me contribute even more meaningfully to my community and to South Africa."
Leadership Aspirations and Outlook
Ayanda Nkabinde has been selected to participate in the 2026 Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS-Africa), a program scheduled to run from June 8 to June 13. This opportunity places her among 150 young leaders from various African nations, fostering a diverse and dynamic learning environment. Ms. Nkabinde expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been chosen to represent South Africa." She added that her selection served as a testament to her commitment to leadership and youth development. "Coming from a background where I have always been passionate about leadership, youth development and creating opportunities for others, this selection is a reminder that hard work and commitment can open doors beyond one's immediate environment," Nkabinde said. The 2026 edition of YPLS-Africa will mark the program's tenth anniversary, a significant milestone for the initiative. Looking ahead, Nkabinde articulated her aspirations for the program's broader impact, noting, "Being in a room with young leaders from across Africa is inspiring, and I look forward to bringing back the knowledge, networks and experiences that will help me contribute even more meaningfully to my community and to South Africa." Her participation is expected to enrich her understanding of pan-African issues and strengthen her capacity to lead.
