After a long eight (8) month period; finally the day came where students at the University of Zululand had to elect thier new leadership. This was captured at the inauguration of tthe Students' Representative Council for 2010/11 academic period. This was welcomed by the majority of the student body who were at the juvial mood that day. The inauguration was on Friday the 8th of October at King BhekuZulu hall (1330 hours pm).
A well organised event was in great attendance by students amounting to 3500 at the hall singing praises to their newly elected Council leadership. This ceremony was graced by many VIP's from government which included Hnr. Willies Mchunu the MEC for Transport and safety and security in KwaZulu Natal, a representative from UniZulu Council Miss April Nyanda, leaders from business former SRC members cuba Mahaye, Thapelo Mofokeng, Sabelo 'Cuba' Sibisi, Irvin Barnes who were visible and staff members.
The newly SRC10/11 being lead by Mr Bongani 'Jobe' Sithole (President) is made mainly by YCL members (six of them) and one member from the IFP Allie, SADESMO. The words from the Vice Chancellor and rector Prof. Fikile Mazibuko showed courage and a positive attitude that the Executive management has towards this new SRC especially in working together and further made a call that never should the 2009 election saga be repeated.
The President of the SRC's speech was well received by the congregation present that day. The speech showed maturity by the young leader who vowed that one of the most important tasks that they are facing is to re-install structures of democracy like the Students' parliament, which is a vehicle to discuss matters of students and promote a speedy implementation of the SRC programs. He further went on to say that SRC offices are not for the winning party (YCL) but are offices of the Student body at the University of Zululand.
"As a democratically elected SRC; we want to promise the student body that we are going to face head on with challenges that prevent progress at the university"; this was one of the many promises that President Bongani Sithole gave to the student body. He said this will be achieved through forming a progressive partnership with the Executive management of the university, that will make sure it looks and resolve problems that alienate students.
What mostly impressed with the President's address was the quick response to critical problems to students by proposing the formation of various Sub-committees between the SRC, Executive managemet, the Students Services Department (Dean of Students office), Catering unit, Protective Services Department (PSD), South African Police Service (SAPS), Local councellors and landlords. These committees will look at improving infrastructure (residences, internet facilities, lecture halls, etc), catering and, safety and security (both on camp and off camp students). These are proposed to be effective as early as January 2011 before the arrival of the student body.
Leaders from different student organisations and those who were independent conveyed their messages of congratulations to the newly elected SRC. Amongst these was Democratic Alliances Students Organisation (DASO) South African Students Congress (SASCO), African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), South African Democratic Students Movement (SADESMO), The independent candidates and the National Leadership of the YCL present. This was a good display of maturity of student leadership that is available at the University of Zululand which quite contrary from the national media houses are writing about event at the university.
OUR OPINION: At tpmoftalks, we feel that it will be a good thing to see the Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA) coming together and deal with matters that have actually resulted in dividing the alliance. This will actually provide an extra-muscle for this SRC to make sure that the mandate from the students is address to the best of abilities. Personal ambitions must be put aside and individuals need to talk them through and move forward. The separation of the alliance is not a new during SRC elections in South Africa; but what has been a trend in the past is that after elections talks become active to make sure that the PYA re-unites again. External influences that do not seeks to promote unity of the alliance must be ignored by the PYA leaders. Arrogance will not yield a positive fruit but unity and selflessness are the two key components to build on.
We wish the President of the SRC and his executive a successful year of office and to make sure that they deliver what they have promised to the student body.
