The 2022/23 Students Representative Council (SRC) of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) handed over the designation to the newly elected council on Friday, 6 October 2023 at ML Sultan campus.

The event started with opening remarks made by the Student Governance officer, Ms Thokazani Sibiya, who shared her gratitude of the hosting of such a sterling event, thanking and congratulating everyone for making it thus far. “It is a bittersweet day because we are saying goodbye to the old SRC while welcoming the new one. I hope we have a fruitful gathering and that you guys learn and share information to help you have a successful term,” said Sibiya.

The former Deputy President, Ms Thandolwethu April welcomed and congratulated the new SRC. “Well done guys! Please lead the students well and feel free to ask questions during this handover so that you know where exactly you guys are going and how to tackle the problems you will be facing. Do not hesitate to ask for help, please feel free as we are here as the former SRC to help where we can,” explained April.

Mr Joy Gcabashe, the former Secretary General, shared the report of what they (the former SRC) had covered during their time in power. He also mentioned the difficulties they had experienced as they had to ensure to add to the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, to most of their events, and show that they are leading students the DUT way.

The former SRC members also shared other problems they had faced and gave tips on how to help the new SRC handle the job perfectly. They also gave them the list of all the cases they had not solved yet, urging the new SRC members to always remember that they are a team.

The SRC president, Solomzi Zoleka, thanked the former SRC members for taking their time to come and assist them and promised to continue where the former SRC members had left off. “We appreciate your words of wisdom from previous speakers. We have entered this office when the institution was in the process of transformation and infrastructure development of which it is part of our mission to ensure that development is at the centre of what guides everything we do, including the living values of the ENVISION2030,” said Zoleka.

“Former SRC president and your collective, we are entering this journey which is not the easiest one. Should we go wrong, we hope that you and your collective are still going to be available to guide us. We have entered to play our part and we commit to do that exceptionally,” added Zoleka.

In closing, the Manager of Student Governance and Development, Mr Masiza Ngcelu said that he is tempted to do another session so that they (former and new SRC members)  can share more information. “This is very important because it will give you an idea of how to deal with the student issues. I will be organising another session so that you have more time to discuss further on how to continue catering for students while also excelling academically,” said Ngcelu.

Pictured: The 2022/23 Students Representative Counsel (SRC) at the handover session.

Patience Makhaye