Today, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) officially launched its 2026 Young Leaders Development Programme (YLDP) cohort at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS). The launch is a two-day event bringing together student leaders for an intensive leadership development experience aimed at cultivating ethical, responsible, and impactful leaders.

Philasande Sokhela, Senior Manager at the Centre for African Business at JBS, led and directed the session.

Professor Alistair Mokoena, Executive Dean at JBS, delivered the opening address, offering a comprehensive and reflective perspective on leadership. He described leadership as rooted in interconnectedness and service, emphasising that leadership is not about individual success but collective growth. “There is something about being interconnected, and there is something about being your brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. It is not about you,” he said.

Professor Mokoena further defined leadership as empowering others rather than creating dependency. “Leaders specialise in handing out fishing rods. We share what we know with others. We don’t give our fish,” he explained, adding that leaders should create independence rather than dependence.

Professor Mokoena also highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence and psychological safety within leadership. He stressed that leaders must be aware of the growing mental health challenges faced by individuals today. “Leadership is about managing energies… we come to you for help, to lift us up,” he said, encouraging participants to check in on one another and support each other’s well-being.

Following this, Professor Bongani Ngqulunga, Senior Executive Director, University Relations, Student Affairs and UJ Sport, positioned the programme within the broader leadership landscape. He emphasised that leadership requires responsibility, accountability, and the delivery of tangible results, noting that effective leadership determines whether societies thrive or stagnate. “We need to see leadership that works,” he stated.

Dr Nell Ledwaba, Senior Director, Student Affairs at UJ, formally introduced the 2026 cohort and welcomed them to the programme, encouraging participants to embrace the opportunity for personal and leadership development.

 Melusi Khumalo, YLDP Alumni, reflected on his experience in the programme, describing it as a transformative journey of self-discovery and leadership development. He emphasised that leadership begins with self-awareness, referring to the concept of “human first, leadership second.”

Dr Mzamo Masito, Business and Brand Executive, Africa Lead at Canva, delivered a thought-provoking address focused on humanity and competence in leadership. “We don’t experience your leadership, we experience your humanity,” he said, encouraging participants to prioritise character and authenticity.

He encouraged participants to prioritise character, noting that the goal should be to “dream to become a decent, good enough human being who so happens to be a good leader.”

Dr Masito further emphasised leading by example, stating that, “leaders don’t send someone. They go and do it as well,” and highlighted that leadership requires effectiveness over popularity, noting that, “The job of the leader is to be effective, and not to be liked.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UJ, warned against seeking popularity over effectiveness, emphasising that ethical leadership requires courage and integrity. “People resort to foolish things. Once a leader becomes disrespectful, that is not leadership,” he said, adding that leaders must remain respectful, disciplined, and focused on long-term impact.

Encouraging students to seek mentorship, he shared personal experiences about mentorship relationships and the importance of learning from others. He also emphasised resilience and perseverance in leadership, stating that, “You need to know what you want in life. If you are here to hang around, then you will not amount to anything.”

Professor Mpedi also highlighted the importance of discipline and integrity, noting that “The biggest challenge we are facing is the lack of discipline,” and encouraged students to lead with honesty, resilience, and accountability.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Andrew Munyai, Director, Student Life and Governance at UJ, who expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and encouraged participants to embrace the leadership journey fully.

The cohort had its first set of lectures, which will continue through the last day of the launch.