The newly elected Durban University of Technology (DUT) Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Sanele Khumalo promised that the SRC under his leadership will lead with order and stability. He made this promise while delivering his acceptance speech at the 2022/23 SRC Inauguration hosted by the Student Governance and Development at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre, Steve Biko campus on Thursday, 13 October 2022.
Khumalo also called for unity and political tolerance amongst the DUT community.
“To all clubs and societies, Student Parliament, Council on Higher Education and Faculty representatives, we hope for a sustainable working
The new SRC President, Sanele Khumalo.
relationship with all of you. We do not wish to see any of these structures acting outside of the SRC mandates. We must all join hands and walk together in this journey. To all political parties, we urge for political tolerance amongst each other. We must respect each other according to our level of politics,” urged Khumalo.
Sharing the same sentiments was the former SRC President, Sibusiso Gumede whom in his farewell speech stated that the SRC must not be there to only assist those affiliated with their organisation, but they must be the SRC for all students.
“The newly elected SRC has a huge responsibility of championing student issues and a role in transforming DUT into a better University for teaching and learning through engagements and changes in policies. We need SRC leaders that will represent the DUT students with integrity, honesty and transparency,” said Gumede, wishing the new SRC all the best during their term of office.
The Programme Director was the DUT Community Engagement Practitioner, Ms Phumzile Xulu who welcomed all distinguished guests and the incoming SRC. She then introduced the Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku who delivered the opening and welcome remarks.
In opening his remarks, Dr Moreku said as students the SRC members are subjected to the Student Code of Conduct and the DUT Lived Values as per ENVISION2030.
“The involvement and participation of the SRC in institutional governance structures gives life and expression to the democratic tenets of accountability, transparency and co-operative governance. The integral element of the statutory role of the SRC as per the Higher Education Act is consultation with Management. However, Management manages the University as per the DUT Statute and guidance by Council on strategic and financial governance issues. The fact that the SRC serves at Council level ensures that the students’ voice is represented in all decision making at DUT,” said Dr Moreku.
He wished the outgoing SRC well as they further their studies, urging them to continue to contribute constructively in creating a great DUT that we all aspire for. Dr Moreku extended his gratitude to the outgoing SRC for the important role it played during the previous term especially for furthering the philosophy of DUT as an engaged University. To the incoming SRC, Dr Moreku encouraged them to approach all their exchanges with staff and students with respect and goodwill, and highlighted that if they follow this path, they will be on their way to being agents of not only for change but will be actualising the most important and indispensable principles of servant leadership. He asked them how do they want to be remembered as the 2022/23 SRC, reminding them that they are at a University that is on a trajectory that is Different, Upended and Transformed. In addition, Dr Moreku emphasised that the SRC has a huge responsibility to play in realising the objectives of ENVISION2030.
Dr Moreku was also assigned to introduce the incoming SRC, whom all took a pledge in front of the DUT community, vowing to lead the students into success. Leading the SRC Pledge was the new SRC Deputy President, Thandolwethu April.
Delivering a keynote address was the DUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa who applauded the outgoing SRC for their dedication to student matters and their studies as DUT witnessed some of the members graduating during their tenure. She reiterated that as they lead by example, the incoming SRC will follow in their footsteps and continue where they started. To the students, Dr Mthethwa thanked them for a successful period of the voting of the SRC. She reminded the new SRC that their seats are of high level of responsibility and accountability.
In closing the DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, thanked the esteemed guests and students for attending this prestigious event. He acknowledged the presence of the DUT Council Representative, Mr Siyabonga Vezi who is the former DUT SRC President and former President of the DUT Convocation. He indicated that it was not just an ordinary day in the life of DUT, but it was a day where they say “the DUT students have spoken and they must be heard”. Dr Nkonoane also expressed his gratitude to the members of the Electoral Team who ensured that the SRC elections were peaceful.
The 2022/23 SRC members
1. Sanele Khumalo: President.
2. Thandolwethu April: Deputy President.
3. Joyful Gcabashe: General Secretary
4. Aaliya Ndlovu: Deputy Secretary General
5. Asanda Mngomezulu: Treasurer General
6. Zwakele Mkhize: Projects (PMB)
7. Nonhle Dlamini: Projects (DBN)
8. Njabulo Nkomonde: Organizations & Accommodation (PMB)
9. Sibusiso Mbhele: Organizations & Accommodation (DBN)
10. Gideon Mthembu: Education & Transformation (PMB)
11. Londeka Khuboni: Education & Transformation (DBN)
12. Mcebisi Ngcobo: Social Welfare (PMB)
13. Manelisi Buthelezi: Social Welfare (DBN)
14. Sabatha Zungu: Sports & Recreation (PMB)
15. Thembinkosi Mayisa: Sports & Recreation (DBN)
Pictured: DUT Executive Management Committee members with the newly elected SRC members.
Simangele Zuma
