Be transparent, SRC candidates told

The outgoing SRC leading an anti-racism protest on Jammie Plaza earlier this year.

Western Cape electoral officer, Reverend Courtney Simpson, has urged Student Representative Council candidates to manage perceptions and work towards transparency if elected.

Speaking at UCT's 2008 SRC elections launch, under the theme "Building Democracy", on 11 August, Simpson said perceptions and transparency are crucial in democracy.

"In democracy, people need to participate to express their wills," Simpson said. "Their perceptions can either hamper or encourage them to participate".

At the launch, which was also attended by outgoing SRC president, Thulani Madinginye, and Moonira Khan, executive director of Student Affairs, all but one of the 28 candidates introduced themselves to the cheering, whistling and ululating crowd.

The launch was followed by the first of the five question-and-answer sessions at Liesbeek Residence. The sessions continue at Tugwell Hall, Clarinus, Rochester House and Forest Hill over the rest of the week.

Voting takes place from 18 to 22 August.