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Unisa SRC election results announced

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The Dean of Students and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Unisa officially announced the recently held students’ representative council (SRC) election results on 24 February 2021. The election had to be postponed from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  However, the 2020 voters’ roll was used, and voting was largely conducted electronically.

A total of 56 198 votes were captured, representing 14,4% of the total number of students eligible to vote. The Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command secured four seats on the SRC, followed by the South African Students’ Congress who secured three seats, and the African National Congress Youth League and the Unisa Law Students Association, who secured one seat each. The Democratic Alliance Students Organisation did not secure a seat.

Click here for the full results.

In his opening and welcome address, the Dean of Students, Dr Olwethu Sipuka, urged the incoming SRC to prioritise serving the students. He further thanked the IEC for delivering credible elections, and the Independent Electoral Tribunal for listening to student voices regarding the election process. He added: “We can safely say that the process had integrity.”

Representing the National SRC, the outgoing secretary-general, Amukelani Ngwenya, delivered a message of support for the incoming SRC. He raised concerns that South African democracy is in danger as young people have lost interest in participating in the democratic processes of the country such as elections. He encouraged the university to do better in future in terms of voter participation. “This election represents the true voice and true will of our students, and we accept the results and the democratic process that has unfolded,” he added. He concluded by wishing students all the best for the academic year.

Professor Steward Mothata, Unisa’s Registrar, delivered the congratulatory address and thanked all who campaigned and participated in the election. He said: “We hope that voter participation will double in the next election.” While thanking the outgoing SRC, and all structures and individuals who were involved in the election, he congratulated the incoming structures that will be deploying representatives in the SRC. He stated: “We look forward to working and engaging with you in all matters involving the students.”

Dr Benni Lekubu

The results we announced by the Chairperson of the IEC, Dr Benni Lekubu. He articulated: “To the incoming SRC, I hope that you will have an opportunity to familiarise yourselves with Unisa’s Charter on Transformation and in particular the 11Cs plus 1, which articulate the kind of culture that Unisa seeks to embed and practise at all times.” Lekubu affirmed that the results were verified and certified by external auditors.

Click here to watch the announcement proceedings.

*By Nancy Legodi, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

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Publish date: 2021-02-24 00:00:00.0

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