Platform for international students launched

World focus: Thami Ledwaba, external vice-president of the International Student Forum, speaks at the launch of the new body.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) launched the new International Students Forum (ISF) on 25 September, which will promote internationalisation at the university.

The ISF aims to be a platform of engagement for international students to participate in informed political dialogue on international political issues, as well as on issues that international students face at UCT and other South African higher education institutions.

"Over the years, the university has been enriched by participation in global academic life," explains Thami Ledwaba, external vice-president of the ISF. "We have many prestigious international research links and exchange programmes, which bring a welcome diversity to our classrooms and academic debates. It has thus become important for us to broaden our scope of involvement and engagement."

The ISF aims to evolve into a sub-council and become constitutionalised by the Student Representative Council and gain more independence in representing the international students on campus.