Sometimes, at the end of conferences or summits, the vote of thanks is usually given to a person who may not really understand the pains and what would have happened behind the scenes, for the conference, event, summit, etc. to succeed.
On 19 November 2025, at the gala dinner for the Scholarship of Engagement Conference, Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni, Director of the CEAD that organised the conference, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks that left the room hushed and deeply touched, showing why graciousness is widely respected. Her words were not simply acknowledgements; they reflected a leader whose character is shaped by gratitude, community, and a sincere desire to do better.
Professor Nkonki-Mandleni’s message carried the calm assurance of someone who understands that transformation is never a solo act. Many faith traditions view gratitude as a sacred discipline, an act of honouring those who walk with you on the journey. Professor Nkonki-Mandleni embodied this spirit beautifully. She made every individual feel seen, valued and essential to the story she was telling.
Professor Nkonki-Mandleni spoke openly about how her department had shifted from routine, reactionary activities to a bold, strategic approach aimed squarely at addressing the economic and social injustices affecting the people of Umlazi Township. This shift, she emphasised, was possible only because of the people who believed in the work, stood beside her, and trusted her leadership.
With a humility that echoed religious teachings about acknowledging every hand that contributes to good work, she named those who supported her, among them
- The Vice-Chancellor and former VCs, who championed community impact as an institutional necessity.
- Dr Anette Mienie, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: RIE, who believed in her vision from the moment she conceptualised the conference.
- Senior managers, including Dr Manyane Makua and Mbali Mkhize, whose counsels were instrumental in the direction of CEAD.
- Professor Alfred Msomi, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences.
In a gesture that many faith traditions would describe as honouring one’s elders and predecessors, Professor Nkonki-Mandleni paid special tribute to her sector and to Professor Femi Lana, the former CEAD director, and Buyi Ngidi, retired CEAD Deputy Director, who ensured that community engagement practitioners across South Africa were unified through the South Africa Community Engagement Forum (SAHECEF).
Her vote of thanks was a tapestry of appreciation, each thread representing someone who made her journey possible. Professor Nkonki-Mandleni reminded the audience that gratitude is not about is about connection, community, and acknowledging that progress is always collective.