The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Communications team member, Patience Makhaye, spoke to the newly elected 2023/25 Student Representative Council (SRC) Deputy President, Bongani Mchunu, who formally introduced himself to the DUT community.

Mchunu was born and raised in KwesakaMthethwa eNhlabosini Area and has been part of the DUT family for four years. He shared that his journey at DUT has not been an easy one since he had struggled during his first-year because he had no funding, but with the pandemic and studying from home, he was able to do his schoolwork very well.

He was introduced  into student politics by his friend and former schoolmate, Kotini Mthembu.

“As the Deputy President of the SRC, my role is to give guidance to the whole SRC, especially the President and the executive members, speak on SRC policies, have a good working relationship with other offices, represent the interest of DUT students in the upper structure during negotiations, lead the SRC in absentia of the President, especially to the Midlands population,” said Mchunu.

He shared that he wanted to see the newly elected leaders succeed in their term of office because he believes the majority of DUT students have trusted them with the power of authority. He added that DUT students can give these young minds (SRC) a chance to showcase their leadership skills, and in making sure that DUT is changing for the betterment of the students.

Mchunu further said that they are facing a few challenges where some of the students are not receiving their allowance. The SRC in conjunction with the Student Services Unit are looking to formulate strategies on the way forward to address such issues. He explained that as part of the SRC, they have managed to give food hampers and meal allowances to certain students where necessary.

The SRC Deputy President, Mchunu also plans to work closely with the students, and all the other units in the institution to create better opportunities for them to learn more and to also be the best SRC in the history of DUT.

“I now carry more responsibilities than I had before.  In everything I do or say, I now first think about the majority of students who have entrusted me with this position,” said Mchunu.

Pictured: 2023/25 SRC Deputy President, Bongani Mchunu.

Patience Makhaye