YOUTH MONTH
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).
Final-year BScAgric student Chloe Farinha has carved a path through SU that blends academic rigour with inspired leadership. In 2024, she was awarded the Rector's Award for Excellence in Leadership, recognising her extensive contributions to student life. Originally from Johannesburg, Farinha is majoring in plant pathology and entomology.
“When I started at SU, I made a personal vow to leave each space better than I found it," she says. That vow would become the compass guiding a remarkable journey of service – one that began in 2021 as a mentor in the Olympus Commuter Student Community. In 2023, she became Primaria of Olympus, and last year she was appointed the inaugural Primaria of SU's new undergraduate residence, Khayalethu.
These roles illustrate Farinha's mission to promote more inclusive and intentional student leadership. “Each leadership experience taught me something new, and my love for growth compelled me to keep learning and keep applying for new roles."
Transforming the welcoming experience
Farinha is particularly passionate about improving the welcoming period for new students. As the current Head Monitor of the welcoming period programme, she leads a team that works to ensure all newcomers are welcomed with dignity, care and accountability.
The Monitors' Report, traditionally a compliance-driven document, has been transformed under her leadership into an educational tool focused on growth and reflection. She and her team wanted to move beyond tick boxes to equip student leaders with feedback that helps them serve better. “This role has taught me the value of empathy, active listening and celebrating individuality. My focus has always been on growth and learning – not just accountability."
Her involvement in shaping the report for both 2024 and 2025 reflects her commitment to system-wide change and her belief that leadership must be responsive and people-centred. “Too often we repeat traditions without reassessing whether they still serve us. I want leaders to ask: Does this still align with our values? Does this still support our community's needs?"
By driving critical reflection and adaptive leadership, Farinha believes that newcomers will feel seen, supported and safe. She also wants to inspire other leaders to challenge norms, share openly and invest in others. “Development is contagious and when we uplift those around us, we cultivate communities that thrive," she notes.
Building spaces of belonging
Though her leadership résumé is extensive, Farinha is just as committed to the quieter, everyday work of building community. She views conversation as a powerful tool and actively participates in panel discussions, workshops and informal engagements where meaningful dialogue can flourish.
“I've struggled with anxiety, doubt and imposter syndrome," she shares. “But I've always tried to find comfort in discomfort and show up fully in every space I occupy." That vulnerability has enabled her to connect with others in authentic ways, creating spaces where everyone feels seen and supported.
Farinha is particularly mindful of the students who are still finding their place. “Great results mean little if people are left behind. True impact lies in how we nurture those around us."
Motivated by care and support
The roots of her resilience can be traced to her supportive family. “My mother is my greatest inspiration," Farinha says. In 2023, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching her navigate that journey with strength and grace taught Farinha lessons in courage and compassion that have deeply informed her leadership. “She's in remission now, and through her I've learned what real bravery looks like."
Mentors and friends have also played an important role. A close friend and mentor from her childhood, Zandile Gando, first ignited her interest in making a difference. On campus, she's found a second family among fellow leaders and staff members whose guidance continues to shape her growth.
Even when the work is difficult, Farinha remains anchored by purpose. “I care deeply about my projects and strive to deliver work I can be proud of," she says. “Impactful change takes time, and though it can feel slow, collective effort always accelerates progress."
One challenging aspect of being a leader is the fear that your work might not have a lasting impact, Farinha admits. “That's why receiving the Rector's Award for Excellence in Leadership in 2024 was so meaningful to me. It was a moment of affirmation that the seeds I've sown have taken root."
Advice for future changemakers
For students hoping to make a difference, Farinha offers this advice: “Start with two questions:. What do I care about? Who can I serve?" She is quick to add that leadership doesn't require a title. “It starts in conversation, in action, and in showing up consistently for others."
Farinha has helped to build spaces at SU where belonging, excellence and empathy go hand in hand. “Together we are making Stellenbosch better than we found it. We ought to be proud of that."
PHOTO: Stefan Els
GRAPHIC: Geola Bergman?
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