The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Mr Solomzi Zoleka was recently elected as a Chairperson of the Community Engagement Subcommittee under the South African Union of Students (SAUS). His election took place at the SAUS National General Council, which was recently held in Kimberley, consisting of student leaders from all 26 public universities across South Africa.
Zoleka’s appointment not only cements DUT’s place on the national student leadership map but also highlights the growing influence of its young leaders making an impact on society.
According to Zoleka, the Community Engagement Subcommittee plays a vital role in aligning student activism with social responsibility, driving initiatives that uplift communities, and fostering partnerships between universities and society. Now at its leadership, the DUT leader brings both passion and vision.
“I was nominated by my fellow SRC members and student leaders who recognised my dedication to student driven change. Becoming chairperson is more than a personal achievement, it is a collective victory. It is both an honour and a humbling experience. This vote of confidence affirms the importance of inclusive, transformative leadership in higher education. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve,” added Zoleka.
In his new role, he will coordinate national community engagement projects, strengthen collaboration between universities, and represent students in dialogues with civil society and government stakeholders. He is already thinking bigger, his vision includes launching a national Community Engagement Week, introducing stronger systems to measure project impact, prioritising rural outreach, and creating inter-institutional platforms for knowledge sharing.
His three-year term aligns with the SAUS leadership cycle, offering plenty of time to roll out transformative ideas. This engagement shines a spotlight on the university’s leadership calibre and its commitment to civic engagement.
“This is not just about me it’s about DUT stepping onto the national stage as a leader in student development,” he expressed.
Zoleka’s term as SRC President is soon coming to an end. He plans to continue mentoring young leaders, to pursue his postgraduate studies in public policy and development, and to deepen ties between DUT and national student structures.
Above all, he remains grateful. “I would like to thank DUT, especially my SRC colleagues and the entire student body for their continuous support. This achievement belongs to all of us. Through collaboration and vision, we can build a stronger, more responsive student movement that truly serves the people,” he concluded.
Sharing his congratulatory remarks, the Student Development Officer at DUT, Mr Andile Masuku said: “The Student Governance and Development unit is proud to congratulate Mr. Zoleka on his election as Chairperson of the Community Engagement Subcommittee for the South African Union of Students. His appointment to this important committee is a significant achievement, not only for him personally but also for the Durban University of Technology (DUT), as it provides an opportunity for our institution to be represented at a national level.
In this role, Mr. Zoleka will collaborate with student leaders from universities across the country, contributing to initiatives that promote community engagement and social impact. We are confident that he will uphold the values and spirit of DUT, serving as an exemplary ambassador for our university. We look forward to seeing the positive and lasting contributions he will make, and we wish him every success in his new role.”
Pictured: DUT SRC President, Solomzi Zoleka.
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