One of the challenges the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Student Representative Council (SRC) Projects and Campaigns Officer (Midlands), Zwakele Mkhize is currently facing is explaining to students that the SRC does not need to be violent when raising their concerns.

Mkhize (21) originally from Johannesburg but now residing in Pietermaritzburg is currently completing her third year of her National Diploma in Accounting.

Speaking about her role, she is expected to be the coordinator of planning and execution of all events that have to take place in the Midlands campuses in a way that is going to create a good image of the institution.

Looking at her few weeks in office, she shared that the challenge she has faced so far is that students who voted for the SRC members expect them to be more violent when voicing out their problems.

“As their representatives, students want us to demand things in a way that is violent. I have overcome this challenge by explaining to them the importance of negotiating, making them understand that not everything has to be solved through strikes and disrespect to our officials,” explained Mkhize.

Her ambition for the SRC as a collective is that they set a very unique and attractive good example among incoming leaders. According to Mkhize, the SRC of 2022/23 wishes to bring peace and stability in the university. She believes that way they can achieve the ENVISION2030 objectives without facing too many challenges.

Focusing on her portfolio, since she joined DUT, she noticed that students only expect a street bash (a form of an informal party filled with music, alcohol and held for long hours) from the SRC Projects and Campaigns Officer, however, she plans to have more constructive events other than entertainment only.

Having DUT officials calling the SRC members colleagues is one of the things she listed as the highlight of her appointment. She revealed that prior to her appointment, she did not think that the SRC was such a big deal.

“What makes the current SRC different from the previous one is teamwork and the respect we give one another regardless of the difference in political affiliations,” said Mkhize.

According to her (Mkhize), the current registration is running smoothly due to the visibility of the SRC as it is there to provide information and assistance to the students in need, this is done in order to avoid any frustrations that might lead to violent protests.

Pictured: SRC Projects and Campaigns Officer (Midlands), Zwakele Mkhize.

Simangele Zuma