The newly appointed Wimbledon Cluster Conveners, who were announced last week, have promised to spark a greater interest in cluster participation. This is particularly relevant given the lack of cluster participation amongst students.
Helia Witbooi (21), a final year BCom Management Sciences student, was announced as one of two Cluster Conveners for the biggest cluster on campus. She will work alongside Thabani Mtsi (23), a final year Civil Engineering student, who was also announced as Cluster Convener for Wimbledon.
“For me, community is something that I value a lot and it ties into relationship building and networking. I am a people’s person so with being a Cluster Convener, there is a broader opportunity to help integrate different kinds of people from all walks of life,” explained Witbooi.
Helia Witbooi (21), newly appointed Wimbledon Cluster Convener for 2019. PHOTO: Judy Philander.
Clusters play a significant role in the integration and support of first-year students on campus, particularly by means of mentor groups. Additionally, clusters are meant to provide all students with a University experience that is caring and nurturing.
“As much as residences serve as a support structure, I felt like I needed to get involved in a space where that community was a bit bigger,” said Mtsi, on applying for the position of Cluster Convener.
“I think a lot of people resonated with me during the caucuses and I think they were able to align themselves with my truth and my narrative,” Mtsi said, attributing the success of his application to his promise of a unique style of leadership.
Helia Witbooi (left) and Thabani Mtsi (right) pictured on the Rooiplein. The two will work together as Cluster Conveners for Wimbledon. PHOTO: Judy Philander.
“In first year, I had a general idea of what a Cluster Convener is and what they do. I thought they were responsible for organising socials between the various residences and PSO’s in the cluster,” said Imkhitha Nzungu (23), a postgraduate student in the Department of Ancient Studies, who was part of the Rubix Cluster in undergrad.
Nzungu notes that many students, including herself, are not very familiar with the role of Cluster Conveners and would like for there to be a better understanding of the various leadership positions on campus. This is so that students are aware of the leadership support structures available to them.
Clusters on campus and the respective residences and PSO’s that belong to each cluster.
Mtsi and Witbooi will soon assume their responsibilities as Cluster Conveners and both hope to establish a culture of integration and collaboration amongst students.
“Some of the challenges we face are that of participation and people actually buying into our vision for the cluster. We hope that people will recognise the value of clusters and get excited about being a part of one,” Witbooi said.