A New Era for the Association Of Catholic Tertiary Students (Acts)

by Admin · November 2, 2021

Newly elected top 4 ACTS National Executive Committee for 2021/22 President- Onalenna Christopher Kenosi (NW) Secretary-General- Dominic King Dee Ntondini (EC) Treasurer General- Qeduvalo Mtungwa (KZN) Secretary for Media and Publicity- Boipelo Dladla (EC).

By Molebogeng Teledimo & Boipelo Dladla –

“It is good to be ambitious but at times it can be deceptive. Jesus called his disciples to order and this applies to us here today, as we are about to elect the new executive. It is important that we allow the Holy Spirit to be the centre of our leadership.” With these words, Sr Dumisile Sibisi FSF opened the 27^th Annual National Conference of the Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS).

ACTS’ first-ever virtual national conference was split into different sessions over three weekends. “This indeed proved that times have changed and we need to be creative, innovative and able to adapt,” the students’ association said in a statement. This is also what the national executive committee for 2021/22 agreed on when asked what type of leaders the current association needs.

The first pre-conference session highlighted the important parts of the ACTS constitution. Members were reminded about the association’s history, how the association should be running, and their duties towards the association.

The second pre-conference session saw the 2019/20 “Top 4” executive members reporting back to the association about their term in office: the challenges faced especially as the first leaders to lead in the Covid-19 pandemic, how they overcame these challenges, their activities, and advice to the incoming executive.

Nominees were given an opportunity to campaign for their respective portfolios and were interviewed by the outgoing Top 4.

Asked about advice for students in keeping a healthy balance between ACTS, school and social and personal life, incoming treasurer-general Qeduvalo Mtungwa said that it is important to practise good time management, being consistent in all activities, and prioritising duties and preparing accordingly.

The incoming president Onalenna Kenosi’s top priority is to help the Mpumalanga province establish itself and officially become an ACTS branch, also relying on the members for support as they can’t do much as leaders alone.

In her final speech as ACTS president and closing of the conference, Nozipho Ntshangase noted that the association is a platform for spiritual and leadership growth, among other things. Her advice to her successor was that with dedication and prayer, one “can do it all”, despite the challenges that come with the position.