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. The program is currently taking place in Liberia from June 8 to 13. Nkabinde expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been chosen to represent South Africa." She added, "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 anticipates gaining valuable insights, 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."
Program Overview and Significance
YPLS-Africa is recognized as a prestigious pan-African leadership development program, bringing together young leaders from across the continent. The program aims to cultivate leadership skills and foster collaboration among participants. The 2026 edition of YPLS-Africa will mark its tenth anniversary. This milestone notes the program's sustained commitment to nurturing future African leaders and its established presence in continental youth development initiatives.
Nkabinde's Background and Aspirations
Ayanda Nkabinde is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Communication, specializing in Journalism and Media Studies at North-West University. Her academic background aligns with her demonstrated commitment to youth development and leadership roles within the university's Student Campus Council.
The upcoming 2026 edition of the Young Political Leaders School Africa (YPLS-Africa) program, for which Nkabinde has been selected, will focus on the theme "Empowering the Future: From Learning to Leadership for Africa’s Agenda 2063." This theme emphasizes the program's objective to equip young leaders with the skills and vision necessary to contribute to the continent's long-term development goals. The selection of students like Nkabinde shows the program's dedication to fostering a new generation of leaders capable of addressing complex challenges and driving progress across Africa.
Nkabinde's Reaction and Expectations
Ayanda Nkabinde expressed her gratitude upon being selected for the 2026 Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS-Africa). "I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been chosen to represent South Africa," Nkabinde stated. She added that her selection showed a personal commitment: "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." The YPLS-Africa programme focuses on leadership development, governance, democracy, policy development, and youth participation in advancing Africa's development agenda. Nkabinde anticipates gaining valuable insights from the experience. "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," she said.
Broader Impact and Future Vision
Ayanda Nkabinde is one of 150 young leaders from across the African continent selected for the programme. Since its establishment in 2016, YPLS-Africa has trained more than 1 200 young politicians, civic leaders, and change-makers. Nkabinde said, "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."
