UKZN alumnus competes in SA reality show 'One day leader'

UKZN's former SRC President at Howard College campus, Kuhlekonke Watu Ntuli, is vying for the title of "One day leader" in the SABC reality TV show which sees six young people tackling modern day South African social, economic and political issues.

Originally from KwaMaphumulo, the 22-year-old UKZN alumnus read for a degree in Geography and Environmental Management and is currently studying towards her Masters of Housing.

Fondly known as Watu, she cut her teeth in political leadership while in high school and went on to focus on social transformation while leading the student body at UKZN's Howard College campus.

She is actively involved in a number of projects geared at improving the lives of others. 'I am striving for a South Africa where young people are no longer bound by the chains of generational poverty and illiteracy,' said Ntuli.

She is part of the Imbeleko mentorship programme which gives love and hope to orphaned and vulnerable children. "It ensures that they realise their dreams which would have been deemed impossible due to their families' poverty-related issues including HIV and AIDS that result in dysfunctions that erode academic assistance, psycho-socio development, guidance and mentorship from these children," said Ntuli.

She is also part of the steering committee of a South African patriotism project under the eNkanyisweni Institute. The project works on creating patriotism amongst traditional leaders, counsellors and young leaders in communities towards knowing and understanding South African treasures and symbols.

Ntuli is confident she is "marching on towards the realisation of the dreams of African women". She firmly believes that behind every successful women, there is a tribe of strong women supporting her. Her mantra is: "A strong woman stands up for herself, but a stronger woman stands up for everyone else."

She believes her experiences in student leadership at UKZN have prepared her to tackle any challenge with vision, a positive attitude and strong commitment to accountability. "I am thankful to you for setting my sights high and making every effort to ensuring that as leaders we grow through the challenges that confront us each and every step of the way," she said.

Watch her vie for the title of "One Day Leader" every Thursday evening on SABC 1 at 9pm.

Voting takes place every week, lines open Thursdays at 9.30 pm and close Mondays at 1.30 pm. To vote for Kuhlekonke Watu Ntuli, SMS Leader 3 to 32672.

NB: SMS's are charged at R1.50 per SMS. Free SMS's do not apply. You can vote up to 10 times per number.

The show runs from 3 February to May 4.