Catholic Tertiary Student Heads Called on to be ‘Servant-Leaders’

Catholic student leaders need to be “servant-leaders, as Jesus taught his disciples”, said Fr Peter Chungu, chaplain to the Association of Catholic Tertiary Students in the Eastern Cape.

The region includes Nelson Mandela University, the University of Fort Hare (East London and Alice), Rhodes University and Walter Sisulu University.

These branches came together for a meeting to hand over to the new provincial executive committee.

They aim to promote ACTS across the province to increase members, especially active ones, and to work hand in hand with the diocese to achieve this.

Branches are encouraged to interact with youth groups in parishes around their campuses. This, the association said, will not only help ACTS grow but also assure Catholic Grade 12 learners that they will have a “home away from home” when they get to university.

At the handover meeting, Fr Chungu urged ACTS to provide leadership rooted in Christ.

Transcend a Culture of Violence

“Catholic students, you need to embark on a paradigm that transcends the barriers and ‘acceptable culture of violence’ when presenting your issues or demands,” he said.

“The virtues of leadership require each of you, as office bearers, to be accountable, to emulate the model of a servant-leader which Jesus taught his disciples on Holy Thursday, and to constantly seek his grace to guide you,” Fr Chungu said.

Outgoing provincial chair Lerato Mohlokoana said serving her term had been “an honour and privilege”.

“Let us always respond to the signs of the time in a manner that will bring us closer to the love and grace of God. Let us be firm and proud of our Catholic faith, in the way we speak and behave,” Ms Mohlokoana said.

Her successor, Salome Dube, said: “In everything we do, let us always have an ACTS mirror to look at ourselves in, to evaluate where we are.”

Ms Dube and the new provincial treasurer, Nomfundo Sabela, aim to work for sponsorships and donations to help members unable to attend provincial events.

The new provincial executive is Ms Dube (chair), Hazel Singende (secretary), Ms Sabela (treasurer) and Lerato Lehema (media officer).