For Haki Sebina, coming to Stellenbosch University (SU) was not simply about earning a degree. It was about discovering who she could become, authentically, amid the different expectations and paths that surrounded her. 

Born and raised in Johannesburg to a Kenyan mother and a Motswana father, Sebina grew up in a multicultural household where she and her sister were encouraged to be curious about the world. Over time, her layered cultural identity has distilled into taking pride in identifying simply as African. 

When the time came to choose a university, her decision surprised some people. “Stellenbosch was always my number one choice,” she says. “People from Joburg can find that a bit strange, but I was set on coming here. SU is one of the top academic institutions in agrisciences.”

Today, she is a second-year BScAgric student in agricultural economics with food science – a combination that reflects her growing fascination with food systems, sustainability and food security. “I’ve always been interested in food science and technologies, but I realised I was equally interested in the bigger picture – how food systems work, how communities access food and how we can create more sustainable solutions, living in harmony with our environment.” 

Her interest in these issues developed partly through exposure to the work of her mother, Prof Geci Karuri-Sebina, in governance, development and community upliftment. Sebina was raised in a household where conversations often encouraged consciousness of the world’s complex realities, while acknowledging the dynamics of past, present and future. 

“From this, I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility for my journey having to be about more than just personal achievement, but also about service, awareness and meaningful contribution.” 

Helping students see bigger possibilities 

Sebina’s desire to support others found a natural home in the AgriSciences Student Association (ASA), where she serves as Head of Undergraduate Student Affairs. 

The role has become one of the most rewarding experiences of her university career. “I’m passionate about helping students realise that university is about more than just finishing a degree,” she says. “There are so many opportunities available, and sometimes students just need someone to help them see what’s possible.” 

Through the ASA, she helps organise think tanks, welcoming week sessions, networking opportunities, and guest speaker events designed to expose students to the many pathways available within the agricultural sector. The work also allows her to support students facing challenges similar to those she encountered during her own transition to university. 

Like many first-year students, Sebina initially experienced uncertainty about academic expectations and university systems. Support from staff members within the Faculty of AgriSciences, such as Dr Nastasja Brown and Monika Basson, helped her find her footing. 

Now she often finds herself having similar conversations with younger students. “When students come to me with concerns, I can relate because I went through many of the same things myself,” she says. “Sometimes it helps just knowing that you’re not the only one experiencing those challenges.” 

She frequently refers students to available support structures and encourages them to seek help when they need it. “The sky is the limit,” is one of her favourite sayings. “I always try to remind students that there is so much more they can do, and so much more to life than they sometimes realise.” 

The role has also strengthened her own confidence. Looking back on her first year, she describes one of her greatest achievements not as a title or an award, but as personal growth. “I realised I was capable of much more than I thought. I became more confident in who I am and what I want to achieve.” She also credits the ASA team for making her time with them memorable and fulfilling. 

Looking up when life feels overwhelming 

Outside the lecture hall and leadership meetings, Sebina describes herself as a people person. She enjoys hiking, tennis, music, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

A former high school tennis captain and accomplished sportswoman, she remains active by playing social tennis and through fitness activities. “I love Stellenbosch for all the hiking options. I went to Jonkershoek for the first time this year, and I took all my friends to Coetzenburg for my birthday celebration. It was amazing.”

What she values most is human connection. “I love meeting people,” she says. “Everyone has their own story, and I find that fascinating.” She likes the concept of “sonder” – a word that describes the profound realisation that every random stranger is living a life as vivid, complex, and central to them as yours is to you. It is a perspective that has shaped her approach to leadership and life. “When supporting my peers, I have to remember that everyone has their own baggage which I can’t presume to know or fully understand.” 

As South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising this Youth Month, Sebina says she feels both gratitude and responsibility. “The generation of 1976 makes me feel both empowered and responsible for something bigger,” she reflects. “Their sacrifices created opportunities that many of us benefit from today. It reminds me that young people do have a voice and that our contributions matter for future generations.” 

When fellow students feel overwhelmed by the pressures of university life, Sebina often offers simple advice: Look up. 

“When all is said and done, I like to remind myself that we still have the mountains. Everything might feel too fast or too slow or too tough, but we can always centre ourselves in the beauty and resilience of the nature that surrounds us. No matter how stressed or overwhelmed you feel, there’s beauty around you. You just need to pause, breathe and remember that you’re not alone.”