Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, Slindile Fikile Mabonga, the newly appointed Social and Welfare Officer for the Student Representative Council (SRC) at Durban University of Technology (DUT), found herself venturing into the realm of student politics, a path she had never imagined pursuing.
“I never thought I would be involved in student politics, but when I saw an opportunity to make a difference, I could not resist. That is why I decided to join student politics in my first year and I’m so glad I did,’’ said Mabonga.
Mabonga, 25, from Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal is currently enrolled as a second year Somatology student, she said one of her ambitions is to focus on student mental health related issues.
“I want to focus on improving the overall well-being of students by addressing issues related to mental health, diversity, inclusion, and student support services. I plan to ensure that student voices are heard and represented in decision-making processes within the university, and make sure that I lead them with integrity,” said Mabonga.
She also emphasised that as the DUT SRC they strive to improve the overall quality of education by advocating for better teaching methods, updated curriculum, and access to resources that aid in learning. They revolve around improving the academic experience for all students, ensuring equitable access to resources, and fostering an environment conducive to learning and intellectual growth.
Mabonga’s duties as the SRC Social and Welfare Officer include ensuring that the social and emotional needs of students are being met. Provide support to students who are struggling, and work to promote a positive school culture.
However, Mabonga also highlighted that being an SRC member comes with a lot of challenges. To encounter those challenges she established the subcommittee to assist with various projects, claiming that her subcommittee support has significantly made it possible to achieve her ambitions.
“Facing challenges as an SRC member requires a blend of strategies. I prioritise time management, delegate tasks to a capable subcommittee, and maintain open communication with fellow members. Additionally, I actively seek feedback and support from the student body to address concerns efficiently,” she said.
Mabonga added that despite challenges she has witnessed tangible improvement within the student community. “Seeing the impact of our initiatives, such as improved facilities, increased student engagement, and successful advocacy for student needs, has been incredibly fulfilling,” she concluded.
Pictured: SRC Social and Welfare Officer: Durban, Slindile Fikile Mabonga.
Vukani Langa
