For the past few days, the newly elected Durban University of Technology (DUT) Student Representative Council (SRC) have been attending the SRC Induction organised by the DUT Student Governance and Development unit. The five-day induction started on Monday, 29 January 2024 at the eMakhosini Botique Hotel and is set to end on Friday, 02 February 2024.
Facilitating the sessions is Ms Kholeka Mfeka, Clubs and Societies Administrator at DUT.
Throughout the induction the student leaders were encouraged to develop fruitful and healthy relationships with the various University stakeholders.
Addressing the SRC, the Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku delivered a presentation on Breaking Silos Towards Student Structures and Forging Unity in Pursuit of Excellence.
He first explained that for the past three years DUT has been trying to be Different and it is currently in the Upended phase which is showcasing what the university has tried to become since the establishment of ENVISION2030.
“Registration is going well as the number of first year students who have registered are rising, A special thanks to the SRC for playing such a critical role last year in preventing the proposed disruption of exams when there were issues with NSFAS. You proved that you are leaders who want to make a change. This year a team of student leaders was sent to Thailand and the former SRC President, Sanele Khumalo represented DUT on a global stage where he questioned what nations are doing to stop what is happening in Palestine,” said Dr Moreku.
Referring to his topic on breaking silos, Dr Moreku cautioned the SRC about working in silos, saying that as much as DUT has different units, it is one organisation. He indicated that the common goal for DUT is to educate and graduate students and to be able to achieve this goal is for stakeholders to break the silos. He also encouraged the SRC to develop themselves by reading so that they can be well informed of their surroundings and what is happening in the world.
“Through collaboration and cohesion we will be able to share the same space without conflict,” he said.
He also encouraged the SRC to develop themselves by reading so that they can be well informed of their surroundings and what is happening in the world. As SRC you are the statutory body of the students above all structures. To be able to mentor first year students you must be well informed, develop yourself, reading is important,” said Dr Moreku.
The DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane spoke at length about the importance of establishing an effective and cordial relationship between the Executive Management and the SRC. He emphasised that this does not mean the SRC needs to be captured by Executive Management and become puppets. Dr Nkonoane said the SRC needs to become leaders beyond their positions, without compromising their statutory responsibility of representing students with fairness and without fear.
The Housing and Residence Life Managers, Mr Phumlani Mnyango and Mrs Celiwe Nyathi delivered their messages of support, emphasising the importance of collaborations between their unit and the SRC to mitigate risks for the university especially during registration when most students seek accommodation.
The Student Governance and Development Manager, Mr Masiza Ngculu unpacked the role of the SRC and encouraged the student leaders to take themselves seriously as they are the university’s pride and joy.
Also part of the induction were the student leaders who form part of the DUT Central Housing Executive (CHE), the student body that exists and govern the students in the residences. Mr Ntsikelelo Nhlenyama, the Residence Officer shared the differences between the CHE and SRC and how they can work together without stepping on each other’s territory.
The SRC were also given an opportunity to pose questions to the DUT stakeholders from the various units and departments for guidance and clarity on certain matters. The SRC have indicated that they have worked to transform themselves to becoming great leaders, who aim to assist students to become adaptive graduates.
Pictured: The 2023/2025 SRC members with DUT management.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Simangele Zuma
