The true stakes of the upcoming Wits SRC election 

by | Aug 13, 2024

As the student representative council elections approach, what does it mean to serve as students’ primary and first line of defense? 

In the heart of Wits University’s diverse student population, lies a vibrant student community that necessitates representation for each community to voice its distinct concerns and values.  

As a statutory body under the Higher Education Act, the Student Representative Council (SRC) wields political, economic, and transformative power to shape student life, offering a wide range of services to both individual students and a variety of student groups. 

The SRC’s influence reaches beyond campus, playing a key role in national student movements like #FeesMustFall, which highlighted the financial challenges of South African students on a global scale. 

Issah Amiin, a first-year computer science student, said that while he understands the “roles and responsibilities of the SRC”, he is uncertain about the eligibility criteria and the nomination process for running as a Wits SRC candidate.  

The SRC at Wits University is comprised of 22 members, each assigned to specific portfolio’s as outlined in the SRC Constitution. Of these, thirteen general representatives are elected by the students through a secret ballot, adhering to the Electoral Rules, while the remaining nine members represent various constituencies such as the All-Residence Sub-council (ARSC) and Post Graduate Association (PGA). 

The responsibility of electing student organizations or individual candidates to the SRC, who represent student interests, falls to students currently registered at the university. 

Simphiwe Mntungwa, Wits SRC deputy president, told Wits Vuvuzela that to be nominated as an SRC candidate by the Student Governing Office (SGO), you must be a full-time student in at least your second year, with a first-semester average of 60% for undergraduates and 65% for postgraduates.  

The nomination also requires support from 25 students and a clean disciplinary record. He added that “First-year students are not eligible to run as candidates.” To understand this process and other essential functions of the SRC, a thorough reading of its constitution was done by Wits Vuvuzela.  

At any given time during its tenure, the SRC holds a range of powers and responsibilities, including representing the student body on various university committees and external bodies, advocating student interests, and managing allocated funds according to financial rules. It has the authority to support student activities, oversee financial operations, and enforce discipline as delegated by the Vice-Chancellor.  

As a student’s representative body, it is their duty to forge relationships with the broader community surrounding Wits, including the municipality, local police, non-profit organisations and more.  

The Wits SRC faces challenges, including balancing diverse student needs, managing limited resources, and navigating university bureaucracy. They must also address emerging issues, like the recent mid-year exclusions on campus, which has raised significant concern and in instances when the university raises its fees, the SRC can challenge senate directly.   

Additionally, it conducts meetings, initiates debate on student concerns and ensures proper administration of its functions. Essentially, they are responsible for ensuring the structures such as service department, Disability Rights Unit (DRU) and Counselling Careers and Development Unit (CCDU) are in place and that they are effective for students to be able to voice their needs and concerns.  

But students know little to nothing about any of the above. Amazing Herold, a first-year biological sciences student said, “I don’t fully understand the SRC’s roles and responsibilities. I feel they haven’t communicated them clearly, and I’m unsure who is eligible to run as a Wits SRC candidate.” 

FEATURED IMAGE: Wits SRC 2024 Elections. Photo: Salim Nkosi

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