The new chairperson of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at Stellenbosch University (SU) wants to create more meaningful engagement with the student body through student-driven engagement sessions.
Lewis Mboko, who was elected as chairperson of the SRC after several months of delay, told MatieMedia that he also hopes to create an environment where difficult, yet necessary, conversations can be had.
“I need to try and facilitate these conversations so that SU becomes a better place for everyone. There is no better time to have those difficult conversations,” said Mboko.
Through engaging with students on a more personal level, Mboko hopes to maintain a good understanding of the real issues affecting both campus life and student’s lived experience.
“I would love the SRC to set up a gazebo on the Rooiplein every second Friday so we can keep in touch with the issues the students are experiencing on the ground,” said Mboko.
Mboko has the potential to unify the SU campus, said Lwando Nkamiso, former chairperson of the SRC during the 2017/2018 term. “His election shows he can bring people from diverse backgrounds together and tap into different social groups,” said Nkamiso.
Mboko has been experienced as a grounded person who is passionate about serving the student body, said Dr Choice Makhetha, senior director of the Division for Student Affairs.
“[Lewis] is always ready to learn while remaining firm on what is beneficial for the broader student community. The Division of Student Affairs is ready to provide all the support the SRC needs as a team and to motivate them as leaders, to lead ethically and with integrity,” said Makhetha.
Lewis Mboko, chairperson of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Student Representative Council (SRC) photographed outside the SRC offices at the Neelsie Student Centre in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Rachele Button