Student Parliament “raises” student’s matters

Independency, representation and accountability remains key features in the student parliament launch. This marked the election of candidates into various portfolios of service to the student community. “It serves to ensure that all students’ matters are brought to the forefront and to ensure that the Student Representative Council (SRC) meets its constitutional mandate”, said Phiwe Mathe President of the SRC.

Portfolios to be fulfilled were that of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Chief Whip, and the Secretary. In the portfolio of the Speaker of the Parliament Luckyboy Jabulani lost to Sizwe Zingita with 11/ 14 votes while Bongani Mavundla occupied the position of the Deputy Speaker and Relela Elija that of the Chief Whip.  

Twenty eight representative members from various students associations registered with the SRC voted for these candidates. This nevertheless, prior to the election of candidates caused some controversy with regards to the procedure that was to be followed.  Representatives contested that not all members from the 28 student associations could vote as some associations had more members present at the launch.  One of the requirements was that associations should get represented by only 2 members who would cast votes.

“The election of candidates has to be a fair procedure on all the student community otherwise the essence of the establishment of Student Parliament would be useless”, said Innocent Masobe from (SASCO)

 “The SRC cannot reach everyone, the Student Parliament therefore begs to enhance the scope of bringing forth student matters and holding the SRC accountable” said the newly elected Speaker of the parliament Sizwe Zingitwa.

Student Parliament Voting Representatives