Yandisa Dayimani’s Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Posted / 29 July 2025
Yandisa Dayimani, an alumnus of the Columba Leadership Programme, describes his journey as one of conscious lifelong learning and leadership. He is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Limpopo. Yandisa joined Columba with the goal of developing resilience, leadership skills and a strong sense of social responsibility to better contribute to his field and community.
The impact of Columba Leadership on Yandisa has been significant both personally and professionally. The programme helped him cultivate a strategic and analytical mindset, encouraging him to adapt to challenges through action rather than hesitation. A particularly memorable moment came when participants were given a drink that looked and smelled appealing but was unbearably salty and bitter. This experience taught him a valuable lesson: appearances can be deceiving, and decisions should be based on true benefit rather than superficial attraction. Columba also fostered critical thinking and teamwork, encouraging participants to view obstacles not as barriers but as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Currently, Yandisa volunteers with the Community Outreach project run by the University of Limpopo Association of Pharmacy Students. This group visits different neighbourhoods to educate residents about medicines and vaccines. Although participation is voluntary and unrelated to his coursework, Yandisa enjoys applying the leadership skills he gained from Columba to make a positive difference. He also mentors younger students, guiding them through the challenges of pharmacy practice with patience and care.
Looking back, Yandisa emphasises that Columba was not merely an event but a transformative journey that reshaped his understanding of leadership, responsibility and purpose. He learned that leadership is defined by impact and moral responsibility rather than title or influence. Resilience, he explains, is earned through struggle, and true leadership requires integrity and the ability to adapt. In his field of pharmaceutical innovation, success depends not only on knowledge but also on ethical decision-making, collaboration and a steadfast commitment to improving humanity.
Yandisa advises current and aspiring leaders to prioritise purpose over position. He stresses the importance of flexibility in a constantly changing world, noting that progress thrives on adaptability within a framework of firm principles. Ethical leadership is essential across all industries, requiring honesty, openness and accountability. He encourages participation in mentorship and collaboration, as shared wisdom accelerates growth and expertise. Above all, He reminds young leaders that challenges paired with resilience become opportunities for development and that facing setbacks with insight is part of true leadership.
For Yandisa, youth leadership anchored in knowledge and purpose has the power to drive meaningful change in South Africa’s most urgent areas, including healthcare, education, economic development and ethical governance.
Being part of the Columba alumni network has offered Yandisa invaluable support and connections with like-minded leaders committed to excellence and innovation. He remains open to mentoring current Columba learners, believing that empowering the next generation is vital to sustaining leadership and progress.