Several Essential Qualities Needed for Being a Good Leader – Master’s Graduate
Ms Bongiwe Lengoba, who works in the First-Year Experience (FYE) unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and is currently studying for a PhD in Psychology, says being a good leader demands several essential qualities in an individual including empathy, active listening, patience and adaptability.
Lengoba’s passion is psychology which is linked to her interest in understanding human behaviour, mental health and experiences that shape people’s lives. She says she has always been drawn to helping and supporting others, especially within educational spaces.
Lengoba’s goal of deepening her knowledge, contributing to research, and making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health and student development has been evident throughout her Psychology studies as well as her job as an FYE programme co-ordinator within UKZN’s College of Humanities.
Graduating cum laude three times at the age of 23 reflects her resilience, dedication and commitment to excellence despite the challenges she has encountered along the way. Her academic journey inspired a passion for supporting and mentoring others, particularly within the FYE space, where she hopes to help students feel supported, encouraged and empowered in their own journeys. Professionally, these achievements reinforce her credibility within the academic and student development space and motivate her to continue contributing meaningfully to Higher Education and mental health advocacy.
Lengoba says her achievement represents years of sacrifice, discipline, resilience and faith. “It reminds me that hard work and perseverance can open doors beyond one’s expectations. It also motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to inspire other students who may doubt their own abilities,” she said.
Although transitioning from high school to university during the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for her, adjusting to both university life and online learning was also overwhelming initially, but through discipline, consistency, and adapting her study methods, she was able to cope and grow academically.
She shared that public speaking and presentations were a challenge for her as she was naturally a very shy person, however, the presentations required during her undergraduate final year and honours studies helped her gradually build confidence. “This motivated me to take on leadership and volunteer roles within the University that pushed me out of my comfort zone and strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills,” added Lengoba.
“My academic journey has strengthened my passion for student support and development because I understand firsthand the pressures and adjustments that students experience at university. Through mentoring, tutoring, counselling, and leadership roles, I have seen how guidance and support can positively shape a student’s academic and personal journey,” she said. “These experiences have motivated me to create supportive environments where students feel seen, heard, and encouraged to succeed.”
Speaking about being a First-Year Experience programme co-ordinator within the College of Humanities, she explained that her role involved supporting first-year students as they transitioned into university life. This includes co-ordinating mentorship initiatives, monitoring student engagement, assisting with academic and psychosocial support referrals, and developing programmes that promote student well-being and success. “The role allows me to work closely with students and contribute to building a positive and supportive university experience,” said Lengoba.
She believes that first-year support programmes are important because the transition into university can be overwhelming for many students academically, socially, emotionally and financially.
Her advice to first-year students was to give themselves time and understand that adjusting to university is a process. She says it is important to ask for help when needed, attend support programmes, manage time effectively, and stay connected with peers and mentors. Students should also remember that setbacks do not define their abilities.
Lengoba’s future goals are to continue advancing within the fields of Psychology, student development, and Higher Education through research, academic support and mental health advocacy. “I am currently studying for a PhD in Psychology that will contribute to developing intervention guidelines and support systems that address students’ psychological well-being, particularly in relation to issues such as cyberbullying and mental health on university campuses.”
She also hopes to continue mentoring and empowering students while contributing to positive change within Higher Education Institutions.
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photograph: Supplied
