Sub-wardens ready to roll

Nomakhaya Kamwendo (sub-warden training co-ordinator) and Dr Rosemary Exner (acting warden for Graça Machel Hall) lead the training of 2007's sub-wardens.

Baxter Hall hosted 96 sub-wardens for four days of intensive training at the start of the academic year. The ratio of sub-warden to students is about 1/100.

"Sub-wardens play a critical part of residences," said Glenn Von Zeil, manager of Student Housing. "Not only do they assist wardens and operational staff, but they are the link between students and management."

These senior students are trained to help run the residences, to be role models to the students, deal with students in crisis (including counselling, basic first aid and risk management, such as what to do in case of fire) and keep students in check.

Victor Phaliso, sub-warden at College House, said: "The key here is to be an effective sub-warden that is approachable. But, I'm not the class captain – this is real-life stuff."