Unisa announces SRC election results, inaugurates Tshwane and Johannesburg leadership

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On 24 April 2026, Unisa officially announced the results of the 2026 Student Representative Council (SRC) elections, followed by the inauguration of newly elected representatives on 4 and 5 May 2026 for the Gauteng Region’s Tshwane and Johannesburg regional leaderships, respectively.

The announcement was delivered by the National Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), Dr Maropeng Mpya, at the ZK Matthews Hall in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Building on the Muckleneuk Campus. Mpya also presided over the inauguration ceremonies held at the Sunnyside and Florida campuses for Tshwane and Johannesburg, respectively.

The elections marked a significant milestone in strengthening student representation within the institution’s governance structures. Conducted under IEC oversight, the process ensured fairness, transparency and credibility throughout.

In the Tshwane region, student participation resulted in the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) securing four seats, followed by the South African Students’ Congress (SASCO) with three seats, while the ActionSA Student Chapter and the Unisa Law Students Association (ULSA) each secured one seat. Other participating organisations included the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO), the uMkhonto weSizwe Students Movement (MKSM), the Student Union for Christian Action (SUCA) and the Unisa Forum for Students with Disabilities.

In the Johannesburg region, the EFFSC secured four seats, followed by SASCO with three seats, while the MKSM and the ULSA each secured one seat. Other participating organisations included the ActionSA Student Chapter, DASO, the Student Affairs Revolution Movement and the Unisa Forum for Students with Disabilities.

The inauguration ceremonies formally introduced the newly elected regional SRC leadership. In Tshwane, Dakalo Ramadwedzha (ActionSA) was inaugurated as Regional Chairperson, supported by Deputy Chairperson Lupita Ngobeni (EFFSC), Secretary Thato Mabuza (EFFSC), Deputy Secretary Khanyisa Jack (EFFSC), Treasurer Botshelo Phasha (ULSA), Education and Training Officer Lebogang Shata (SASCO), Sports and Cultural Officer Disebo Mokalapa (EFFSC), Postgraduate Officer Boitumelo Mphaka (SASCO) and Undergraduate Officer Keabetswe Masela (SASCO). Rudy Gaka (EFFSC) and Gift Galane (ActionSA) assumed the roles of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.

In the Johannesburg region, Katlego Mokoena (EFFSC) was inaugurated as Regional Chairperson, supported by Deputy Chairperson Rethabile Mofokeng (EFFSC), Secretary Thato Selowa (MKSM), Deputy Secretary Joshua Ntsutile (EFFSC), Treasurer Gontse Gaohose (ULSA), Education and Training Officer Nokwazi Mtungwa (EFFSC), Sports and Culture Officer Zethemba Sibisi (SASCO), Postgraduate Officer Lethuxolo Mabena (SASCO) and Undergraduate Officer Lesego Nkoboloane (SASCO). Bongumenzi Mdlalose (EFFSC) and Alungile Tamela (MKSM) assumed the roles of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.

Delivering opening remarks, Daniel Kekana, Manager: Finance and Operations from Regional Management, emphasised the responsibility of the incoming leadership to serve all students beyond political affiliations. He encouraged collaboration and unity, noting that effective leadership requires collective effort and a shared commitment to student success. He also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing SRC and encouraged continuity through cooperation.

The outgoing Tshwane SRC Secretary highlighted the importance of maintaining a student-centred approach to leadership, noting that SRC responsibilities extend beyond individual or organisational interests and require unity, adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the student body.

Students gather and celebrate at the ZK Matthews Hall following the official announcement of the 2026 SRC election results

In her address, Tshwane Regional Chairperson Dakalo Ramadwedzha reaffirmed the SRC’s commitment to accountability, inclusivity and effective representation, emphasising the importance of ensuring that every student feels represented, valued and empowered. Similarly, the Tshwane Regional Speaker highlighted the importance of ethical leadership, noting that integrity, discipline and service are essential in fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.

Highlighting the broader significance of SRC structures, Thembinkosi Mnguni from Student Governance in the Dean of Students’ Office noted that SRC members play a critical role in university governance through participation in key institutional structures, including Council and Senate committees.

The newly elected SRC will officially assume full duties following the National SRC Inauguration scheduled for the last week of June 2026. As they begin their term, the incoming leadership is expected to prioritise student representation, tackle academic and financial challenges and strengthen communication between students and the institution.

Overall, the announcement and inauguration of the 2026 SRC reflect Unisa’s ongoing commitment to democratic student representation and meaningful student engagement within the university community.

* Submitted by Lungisani Nzuzo Mbatha, Intern: Communications and Marketing Unit, Gauteng Region