Buhle Bam
The Student Representative Council’s offices where all student-related matters are addressed by the interim Student Representative Council. PHOTO: Buhle Bam
Stellenbosch University’s (SU) is currently on its second interim student representative council (SRC) for the current term as election procedures are now challenged in the Western Cape High Court.
This was according to Thulani Hlatshwayo, the coordinator of student governance who works for the Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL).
“In the absence of an Electoral Commission, it was advised that a second interim SRC be installed to ensure continuity in student governance,” said Hlatshwayo.
The new interim SRC portfolios and their corresponding position holders were installed on 25 February, said Hlatshwayo.
The ceremony regarding the installation of the new interim SRC served as an opportunity for the recognition of the SRC members’ service to the Stellenbosch University community, said Hlatshwayo.
Student Court appeal escalated to Western Cape High Court
The implementation of the interim SRC follows delays in the usual proceedings caused by an appeal made by a former SRC member, said Sphephelo Mhlongo, the Student Imbizo convenor.
The former member was dismissed after their campaigning efforts, sponsored by an external organisation, were contested, as they allegedly went against the Electoral Commission’s rules, according to Le Roux v Februarie and Another (Appeal).
Mzwakhe Bolotina was recently installed as the new interim communications officer on Stellenbosch University’s Student Representative Council. AUDIO: Buhle Bam PHOTO: Supplied/Stellenbosch University
The escalation of the case to the Western Cape High Court has stalled the formal implementation of an SRC for the 2024/2025 term, according to Mzwakhe Bolotina, SU interim SRC newly-installed communications officer.
“It’s part of the reason why we cannot proceed and have a fully functioning SRC,” said Bolotina.
Student Assembly also faces electoral challenges
Further delays in the formalisation of SU governance structures lie in the absence of a Student Assembly speaker, as a result of not meeting the required amount of votes during the elections, said Sethu Mshengu, former deputy speaker of the Student Assembly and chairperson of the Policy Forum.
Sphephelo Mhlongo, the Student Imbizo convenor, comments on the delays with Student Assembly proceedings. AUDIO: Buhle Bam PHOTO: Supplied/Sphephelo Mhlongo