YOUTH MONH
This Youth Month, we're celebrating students who are driving positive change on campus, in their communities and beyond. Through their leadership, compassion and commitment, they are helping to build a better future for South Africa. These profiles highlight the impact and energy of a new generation of changemakers at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU).
Dressed in his maroon blazer, Reagan Johnson is a familiar figure at SU – quick with a smile, always ready with a sharp comment, and known for his unwavering drive to improve campus life. A BA Humanities student majoring in history, political science and sociology, Johnson hails from Kuilsriver. His presence is felt not only in lecture halls and debates, but also in the corridors of institutional governance where student voices need amplification.
From an early age, Johnson stood out as a leader. At the DF Malan High School, he was a trailblazer by becoming the first black Deputy Head Leader – a turning point that set the tone for his commitment to transformation. “I've been actively involved in student governance since primary school," he says. “I'm deeply passionate about social justice and transforming student experiences in higher education. I'm committed to creating environments where students feel heard, supported and empowered to thrive."
Johnson's leadership journey continued at SU where he served on the Student Representative Council (SRC) as Communications and Visibility Officer during the 2023/'24 term. In that role, he addressed critical student challenges ranging from academic support and accommodation to mental health and institutional accountability. “I also helped manage institutional responses to national and global issues affecting students, ensuring that leadership remained accessible and accountable," he explains.
Transforming institutions with empathy
Johnson's approach to leadership took shape during a particularly difficult period. “My passion was sparked during my first year on the SRC, when I encountered firsthand how complex and emotionally demanding student leadership can be," he recalls. At the same time, he was dealing with serious personal challenges at home related to the health of both his mother and grandmother. “That intersection of personal and public responsibility helped shape my belief in leadership that is grounded in empathy and action."
Johnson served on several key institutional bodies, including the SU Senate, the SU Co-curricular Support Fund (SUCSF), the SUNCOM Advisory Committee and the Institutional Advisory Committee on Internationalisation. His voice in these spaces is driven by the conviction that student experiences must be central to the US's decision-making.
“I want to see a higher education space that is more just, compassionate and responsive to students' real experiences," he says. “My work contributes to this by ensuring that student voices are not only heard but acted upon – whether it's through advocacy in decision-making spaces or on-the-ground support during moments of crisis. Ultimately, it's about building a system that doesn't just function, but one that cares."
Facilitating meaningful change
While his institutional involvement is extensive, it's the moments of sincere human engagement that resonate most deeply with Johnson. “The most rewarding part has been seeing the real impact of student-centred advocacy, especially when a student is able to continue their studies or find stability because someone stepped in to help." The flip side, he admits, is the mental fatigue that comes with such responsibility. “The most challenging part has been managing the emotional toll of leadership, particularly when balancing institutional responsibilities with personal struggles and academic pressure."
Throughout his journey, Johnson has drawn strength from his peers and family. “My peers and former SRC colleagues have been a powerful source of encouragement, especially during difficult times. Their commitment to justice and accountability continues to inspire me," he says. “Most importantly, my family, especially my mother and grandmother, have taught me the value of perseverance, compassion and integrity in every area of life."
That perseverance has marked his path beyond SU too. Johnson has participated in several youth leadership programmes of the Western Cape Government and served as a Youth Ambassador for Sport, Arts and Culture. His efforts were formally recognised when he received an honorary award for outstanding youth leadership from the Premier of the Western Cape in 2022.
Johnson tries to maintain a healthy balance in his busy schedule and make time for self-care. “One of my favourite ways to unwind is to go for a walk in the Coetzenburg mountains – far away from the hustle and bustle of the campus. It is my time to breathe and gain perspective. Something that not many people know about me is that I love music and culture. I love to sing. I have been involved in choirs and drama productions since school, and I even had music and drama as subjects. It is still part of who I am – a place where I can express myself creatively and just be me."
The best part of being a Matie for Johnson is how tradition and change coexist. “It's a place where you can think critically, ask questions and at the same time meet incredible people who inspire you. For me, the most enjoyable part is the conversations I have, the projects I'm involved in and the sense of possibility that hangs in the air. Here you don't just study for a degree – you learn lessons for life!"
PHOTO: Stefan Els
GRAPHIC: Geola Bergman
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