‘Our leadership was about contributing to UCT’

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Students’ Representative Council (SRC) 2024/2025 term has come to an end, and a new student leadership era begins on 1 November.

The approachable, empathetic and committed outgoing president of the SRC, Thando Lukhele, of the Economic Freedom Fighters Students’ Command (EFFSC), described the year as “dynamic and transformative”.

“The reality now is that we will forever be leaders. You will forever be a representative of something, to someone,” Lukhele said. “There is no point where you will ignore issues going forward. What we’ve all learned [during] our SRC term should not end here; whatever space you occupy, please come back to UCT to make an active contribution to the institution.”

At the farewell, the SRC were joined by, among others, Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Mosa Moshabela; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Transformation, Student Affairs and Social Responsiveness Professor Elelwani Ramugondo; as well as the executive director at the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), Pura Mgolombane.

Lukhele continued: “Our leadership was about our contribution [to UCT] and there is still space to do so going forward and that can be through mentorship. We must contribute to a sustainable UCT that our children can come to.”

Grace, kindness

Professor Moshabela hailed the partnership nexus which existed between the SRC and management. As the highest decision-making structure of student governance at UCT, they represent the interests of all students across various committees – and there have often been disagreements. “This is a SRC that was working with management. Disagreements have a tendency of derailing us, but this group set out on a team mission, and that has been a big lesson.”

Among other issues, there were fee and accommodation contentions at the start of the year which were settled in the spirit of collegiality and ensuring that the image of the institution remains intac.

“Because you invested in teamwork, it meant you spent more time talking about the work that needed to be done, and not so much [about] differences. Your energy was notable. You may be exhausted now but you must look back at your term with a sense of accomplishment,” said Moshabela.

He continued: “There is no effective leader who has not been tried and tested, and I hope you can also look back at your term with grace. Leadership, as I understand it, is not a title. It’s a role; therefore, there’s no need to wait for a position to fuel that which is in you. There is no failure – only lessons for you to take forward, so have grace upon yourself and be kind.

“You have had wins which you must celebrate because they have not come easy.”

He concluded: “I want you to think about the values that you are developing. People are looking for leaders that are strong, but compassionate and I hope you can cultivate the best that is within you. If no one says it, let me say thank you to you. Thank you for what you have given UCT. We are grateful the SRC was led by women. You have stood tall, and we are grateful for that.”