media releases - Unisa SRC election declared null and void

MEDIA RELEASE

UNISA SRC ELECTIONS DECLARED NULL AND VOID

The recent SRC elections held at the University of South Africa have had to be declared null and void as, in spite of extensive publicity surrounding the elections including communiqués to individual students, only 1% of the total student body at Unisa participated.

Unisa’s management took this decision which was ratified by Council.

It was resolved that:

1. The recent elections are declared null and void;

2. All SRC activities, both Regional and National, are put on hold until further notice;

3. A process be undertaken to consult with all student formations about the role and value of the SRC, as well as asses how best the SRC could be more representative of student opinion at Unisa, especially given its Open Distance Learning character;

4. As a result of such a consultative process, re-elections are to be held by May 2009.

Letters to this effect have been sent to the representatives of the various student bodies.

The Vice-Principal Student Affairs, Prof David Mosoma is consulting with the various student bodies. A survey is being conducted as of October 2008 to January 2009 with the primary objective of determining the general student perceptions and expectations about the SRC. The office of the Dean of Students will oversee and respond to all student interests during the period following until a newly elected SRC is placed in office.

All enquiries relating to the matters above can be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students at telephone number: 012 429 2552 or by e-mail to: srcelections@unisa.ac.za.