New Daso leader seeks to rebuild

BAXOLILE Nodada, the newly elected chairman of the Eastern Cape Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (Daso), vowed to regain all lost ground in the Eastern Cape.

Nodada, 25, and his new executive were elected last week in Port Elizabeth during the second Daso summit. He replaces the outgoing chairman, Kabelo Mogatosi.

The developmental economics and policy masters student said Daso had grown to become a structure to be reckoned with.

Since its establishment in 2012, Daso has governed Nelson Mandela University but lost it again to the ANC-aligned student organisation Sasco.

In 2015, Daso shocked many when it took power from Sasco at the University of Fort Hare. However, they failed to retain control during the 2017 elections.

The new chairman said Daso was ready to regain the ground it once had.

“We have learnt valuable lessons in our wins and in our losses.

“We are ready to contest in more universities and we have been setting our eyes on the TVET colleges, which have been neglected. First on our list is the Walter Sisulu University, where we do not exist,” said Nodada.

Nodada leads nine executives that include Kwanele Zonke, Azola Mboniswa, Thandolwethu Makhobo, Euzelle Ruiters, Luvo Vimbani, Sinovuyo Xala, Kabelo Mogatosi, Rene Meyer and Duncan Monks.

The outgoing chairperson described the three years of leading Daso as a mission accomplishing journey.

“Our mandate was to build a constituency, to groom young minds into capable leaders and we have done just that,” said Mogatosi.

Nodada takes over Daso at a time when it only governs two colleges in the Eastern Cape – Port Elizabeth College and East Cape Midlands College. — simthandilef@dispatch.co.za