To officially welcome the newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC), the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted the 2025/27 SRC Inauguration at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus in Durban on Thursday, 02 October 2025.

The programme director was Ms Sinenhlanhla Khumalo from the Department of Applied Law at DUT who requested the guests to ensure that the event which marked a significant transition of leadership, proceeded with the dignity and decorum it deserved. On behalf of DUT, she warmly welcomed the newly elected SRC and extended the university’s profound gratitude to the outgoing SRC members for living the DUT values and for having a meaningful impact.

In her welcome remarks, the DUT Student Development Officer, Ms Thokozani Sibiya congratulated the outgoing SRC for running a good race during their two-year tenure. She applauded the newly elected SRC for earning their honours amongst their peers. She cautioned them that being an SRC member was not about power but it was about making a meaningful impact in the lives of the students. She indicated that their role was to inspire, be present and principled when dealing with student matters.

Ms Sibiya also urged the students that had filled the whole in excitement to meet the new student leadership to support the new SRC and hold them accountable. She urged the entire DUT community to come together and stand behind the new SRC members so that they succeed during their term of office.

The former SRC President, Mr Solomzi Zoleka began by thanking the DUT students from shielding them during their time of office. He commended his team for leading with diligence in line with the ENVISION2030 living values. To the newly elected SRC, he reminded them that their role is to serve and represent the students, not to betray them. He urged them to resist being advised or influenced by external stakeholders who want to destabilise the university for their own gains.

Ms Sthembile Mjadu, Interim Director of Student Services introduced the new SRC and led the pledge where each member committed to upholding the DUT living values and advocating for the students’ needs.

The Dean of Students at DUT, Dr Clement Moreku applauded the former SRC for raising the standard of student governance nationally. He commended Mr Zoleka for being the first DUT SRC President to be elected as Chairperson of the Community Engagement Subcommittee under the South African Union of Students (SAUS). He posed a challenged to the new SRC to raise the bar higher.

Later that day, Student Governance and Development unit hosted the DUT SRC Inauguration Gala Dinner at Musgrave’s Coastland Hotel, attended by executive members, former student leaders, and staff, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the newly elected SRC as they commence their leadership journey.

Ms Phumzile Xulu, Programme Director, Engagement Practitioner at DUT, captivated the audience and established a positive atmosphere for productive interactions and insightful conversations, setting the tone for successful engagements and meaningful discussions.

SRC Secretary General Mr Samkelo Ngubo spoke about his vision for the SRC’s role, emphasising that student activism is not about dismantling the university, but rather working collaboratively to drive positive change and address student needs.

“Colleagues and the house, we must wage an intellectual struggle against what isolates our university from us. Student activism does not exist to end the university- it seeks to free it from the bourgeois culture and have it autonomous from the capitalist influences. This is what we struggle against. Equally, we must negate any attempt to perceive student activism as a threat to the stability of the university. Contrary to the popular narrative, we struggle for stability. It is this stability which will produce accountants, engineers, highly skilled nurses, educators of good quality, admin moguls, supply chain professionals, human resources practitioners,” said Mr Ngubo.

Midlands Campus Director Dr Nonhlanhla Mthiyane, Dean of Students Dr. Clement Moreku, and Student Development Officer Dr Andile Masuku congratulated the newly elected SRC, offering words of encouragement and support. They welcomed the SRC members and expressed enthusiasm for their leadership journey, acknowledging the significant role they play in representing the student body. The messages highlighted the institution’s commitment to student development and success.

In his closing remarks, Manager: Student Governance, Mr Masiza Ngculu, expressed gratitude, thanking the event organisers and executive members for taking time out of their duties to attend and support the new SRC, acknowledging their commitment to student governance and leadership development.

Pictured: The newly elected SRC 2025/27.

Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile

Simangele Zuma/ Thubelihle Dumakude