On the morning of 21 February 2026, Listen, Live and Learn (LLL) Stellenbosch officially marked the beginning of its 2026 journey with a dynamic and thought-provoking workshop. The day opened at 08:00 with refreshments and informal conversations, setting a warm and welcoming tone before the programme formally commenced at 09:00.
The workshop began with welcoming remarks from Thulani, who grounded the room in the purpose and vision of LLL for the year ahead. This was followed by alumni introductions led by Keenan, reminding current fellows that LLL is not merely a programme for a season, but a lifelong community committed to growth and social impact.
Sustainability Literacy
The first keynote speaker, Carina du Toit, Programme Manager for SDG/2063 at Impact Hub, challenged the room with a powerful question that lingered long after it was asked: “How can goals be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs?”. The question echoed the core principle of sustainable development.
Drawing on the frameworks of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030) and the African Union Agenda 2063, she illustrated how global and continental visions of equity and sustainability directly inform Stellenbosch University’s Vision 2040. Her presentation made it clear that sustainability is not an abstract concept, it is systemic and deeply embedded in everyday decisions spanning economics, education, and social life.
The session was highly interactive. Fellows were asked which SDG is most critical for advancing social justice and inclusion, and which goals are essential for building economic resilience. The answers given and the depth of engagement really stood. LLL fellows did not passively consume information; they interrogated and reflected. The room was alive with ideas. It was a clear reflection of what makes LLL distinctive, a space where critical thought and collective learning thrive. Following a short tea break, each house selected an SDG to guide their project for the year. The commitment to align house initiatives with specific development goals signalled that 2026 would not only be about dialogue, but also measurable, community-centred impact.
Engaged Citizenship in Action
The second session was led by Mitchelle Pietersen, Manager of Engaged Citizenship at the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation (CASIT). Her presentation reframed volunteering at tertiary level as more than “free labour.” Instead, she positioned it as a pathway toward becoming informed, responsible citizens and transformative professionals.
She highlighted how CASIT embodies institutional goals aimed at producing a transformative student experience. Volunteering, she emphasised, cultivates empathy, adaptability, leadership, and professional readiness. It stretches students beyond the classroom, enabling them to navigate communities with awareness and integrity. In a world that demands socially conscious leadership, volunteering becomes both a developmental tool and a civic responsibility.
Curating Engaged Problem Solvers
The final session of the workshop was facilitated by Pieter Kloppers, founder of Listen, Live and Learn at Stellenbosch University. He spoke about LLL’s commitment to shaping engaged problem solvers, students who are not only academically competent but socially responsive.
In a simple yet powerful exercise, fellows were asked to turn to one another and share what they are good at and what shaped that strength. This moment created an atmosphere of vulnerability and discovery. It allowed students to recognise the diversity of talents within the room and to appreciate how personal journeys contribute to collective growth.
A list of student development principles guiding the LLL initiative was distributed, reinforcing that LLL’s approach is intentional.
Community Beyond Lecture Halls
The formal programme concluded, but the day was far from over. Fellows gathered for a braai, a distinctly South African moment of connection and celebration. This time was intentionally social, laugher, new friendships forming, and meaningful connections. If the workshop cultivated intellectual engagement, the braai nurtured relational depth.
The first LLL workshop of 2026 was more than an event. It was a statement of intent. It affirmed that LLL is a space where sustainability is interrogated, citizenship is embodied, leadership is cultivated, and community is lived.
For LLL 2026 promises to be a year of intentional action, courageous dialogue, and meaningful impact.