.UKZN-SRC Elections 2025 Message
The ‘season of SRC elections’ at universities in South Africa refers to the period when the elections for Student Representative Councils (SRCs) take place. During this time, students actively campaign for leadership positions within SRCs, seeking to represent the interests and concerns of their fellow students. This season is characterised by increased political activity on most campuses, including campaign rallies, manifesto presentations, debates and various engagement initiatives. At some institutions, candidates align themselves with national political parties, adding a broader political aspect to the process. This period is essential for fostering efficient student governance and leadership, providing students with a platform to influence university matters and contribute to policies that impact their academic and social experiences.
This SRC season also underscores the vital role universities play as institutions that are constitutionally empowered to benefit from decentralised, student-driven governance. It recognises students as important stakeholders within the academic setting who deserve an organised channel to express their views. Through the SRC, students take part in decision-making processes that affect their learning environment, welfare and campus life. The constitutional backing of student governance ensures that leadership is participatory rather than solely imposed from above, encouraging accountability, representation and democratic involvement within the university framework.
As we enter this critical season of SRC elections, it is essential to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by respecting the decisions and operations of the internal Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The IEC plays a pivotal role in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections that reflect the true voice of the student body. Whether the outcomes align with your expectations or not, embracing the results with dignity and maturity is a hallmark of true leadership and democratic commitment. Disputes and dissatisfaction should be addressed through proper channels, not through disruption or disunity. By respecting the process and accepting the outcome, we reinforce the credibility of student governance and set an example of democratic resilience for others to follow. Remember, leadership is not only about winning it is also about how we respond when we are called on to support others for the sake of unity, progress and the greater good of the university communities.
In recent years, student-led bodies such as an SRC have encountered various challenges that have weakened their impact and credibility. The increasing influence of external political parties in student elections has, at times, reflected broader national political agendas, diverting attention away from genuine student issues. Additionally, a lack of transparency, internal disagreements and insufficient engagement with the wider student population have eroded trust in these institutions. Financial difficulties and interference by university administrations have further limited the independence of student representatives, making it harder for them to effectively advocate for student interests. Moreover, episodes of violent protests and the burning of campus buildings during some student activities have harmed the reputation of student leadership, fostering divisions and undermining efforts to encourage peaceful and constructive dialogue. These problems have sometimes led to student disengagement and diminished the SRC’s role as the authentic voice of students.
Another significant issue that has affected student leadership structures is the misuse of power by elected representatives. There have been instances where SRC leaders have been accused of exploiting their positions for personal advantage, favouritism or suppressing opposing viewpoints within the student community. Such abuse undermines the democratic values that student governance is meant to uphold and damages the trust between leaders and their peers. When leaders prioritise their own interests over the well-being of the student body, it reduces an SRC’s legitimacy and discourages active involvement from students. This kind of conduct fuels disillusionment and weakens student governance further.
Furthermore, these challenges are compounded by a lack of fundamental qualities such as good governance, Ubuntu and adequate preparation among some student leaders. Good governance, marked by transparency, responsibility and inclusiveness, has often been missing, leading to poor decision-making and exclusion of diverse student perspectives. The philosophy of Ubuntu, which promotes community, empathy and mutual respect, has sometimes been neglected, resulting in conflict and division instead of unity and shared progress. Also, many student leaders have lacked sufficient training and readiness to manage the complexities of leadership, negotiation and conflict resolution. Without these key attributes, student leaders struggle to build trust, encourage collaboration and effectively advocate for their university communities.
As you gear up for the SRC 2025 elections, remember that should you achieve a leadership position it comes with great responsibility and a unique chance to serve your fellow students and influence the future of your campus. Take on the role with honesty, humility and a sincere dedication to representing the diverse voices within your university. True leadership is not about personal gain or popularity but about actively listening, leading with Ubuntu and making decisions that bring students together. Prepare yourself by understanding the issues facing the student body, engaging openly in dialogue and bridging divides. Embrace transparency, accountability and teamwork as your guiding principles, and aim to leave a positive, lasting mark on your institution. Your passion and commitment can transform student governance into a powerful catalyst for progress and inclusion.
Alongside effective leadership, it is vital for student leaders to balance their activism with their academic pursuits. While advocating for student rights and driving change is important, it should never come at the cost of one’s own education. Excelling academically helps leaders maintain credibility and equips them with the skills necessary to serve their peers well. Time management, discipline and prioritising responsibilities are essential to sustaining this balance. By succeeding in both their studies and leadership roles, student leaders show that it is possible to be passionate advocates while also committing to personal growth and academic excellence. This balance ultimately strengthens their ability to serve the student community with wisdom and integrity.
If you lead and serve students with commitment, honesty, and effective governance, it will demonstrate that South Africa still possesses a rising generation of capable and trustworthy leaders. Despite widespread scepticism about leadership in various government sectors, your example can rekindle hope and belief in the power of young leaders to make a meaningful difference. By showing that student leadership can be transparent, accountable and genuinely responsive to people’s needs, you set a benchmark not only for your peers but for the nation at large. Your success will prove that real change is achievable and that the future of South Africa is bright with competent leadership.
I wish office holders all the very best in their leadership roles.
At UKZN actions, decisions and the way you represent your fellow students will shape the University’s reputation both locally and globally, epitomising that indeed: ‘UKZN is a University of Choice’ and that ‘UKZN Inspires Greatness’.
Through dedication, integrity, and wise leadership, office holders have the power to showcase their institutions as beacons of excellence, progress and unity. Conversely, poor leadership or neglect of responsibilities can unfortunately bring unwelcome scrutiny and damage to the institution’s standing.
May the time of all office holders be marked by courage, thoughtful decision-making, and a genuine commitment to uplifting every student and your efforts inspire meaningful and lasting transformation on campus and far beyond its borders.
Dr Balungile Zondi is a senior lecturer in Anthropology at UKZN and currently serves as a Chapter Guardian for South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA), a Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS)-aligned student movement.
*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.