The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Students Representative Council (SRC) Social Welfare Officer in Durban, Mr Manelisi Buthelezi (22) from Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal wants to make sure that all DUT students are well cared and catered for in-terms of accommodation, transport and classes.

Buthelezi is currently doing his third-year in Business and Information Management (BIM). His journey at DUT started when he enrolled for a Higher certificate in Public Relations and Communications Management. He was then accepted to do his Diploma in Business and Information Management.

Buthelezi has always been interested in politics, that is why he joined Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) on his first year. His ambitions for the Student Representative Council (SRC) is to lead the students with integrity and leave a mark that will forever be remembered.

“My role as the Social Welfare officer focuses on the wellbeing of students, I ensure that all students are well cared and catered for in terms of accommodation, transport, classes. I advise students in relations to matters concerning students welfare,” he said.

“Being an SRC member comes with its demands, I end up not having time for my personal well-being. I always have to prioritise students, being in this position is time demanding but I have created a subcommittee which helps me with various projects and that has helped by minimising the amount of workload that I used to have,” said Buthelezi.

Buthelezi explained how they overcome the challenges that they encounter as the SRC.

“Despite all the challenges that we are facing as the SRC the important part is that we are coping. Being positive during stressful or adverse situations can help the SRC to manage difficulties effectively. As effective leaders we often plan ahead and maintain a positive outlook through changes and transitions of the university as well as the SRC,” explained Buthelezi.

Buthelezi is also determined to further his studies and succeed. “I won’t rest until I reach the PHD level,” said Buthelezi regarding his academic ambitions.

Buthelezi mentioned that unity keeps them going and achieving their main goals as the SRC. This SRC is like a family and that brings the positive energy in the team.

Pictured: DUT SRC Social Welfare Officer: Durban, Mr Manelisi Buthelezi.

Nomvelo Zulu