SRC to prioritise students’ mental health issues
POLICIES for students’ mental health, anti-gender-based violence and the revision of the university’s information system regulations will be a priority for Xola Njengele, the newly-elected chairperson of the student representative council (SRC) at Stellenbosch University (SU).
Njengele, 21, said the issue of student mental health was important to him, as he personally had to learn over the years to do “mental health checks” on himself, ensuring that he created a balanced student life, where he could successfully pursue his studies and also enjoy a social and healthy lifestyle.
He grew up in Gugulethu and is completing a postgraduate diploma in sustainable development at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
“I am honoured to have been elected to this position. I have been in leadership here at the university since my first year in 2017, so student leadership is something I enjoy being part of,” he said.
Kira Alberts, a final year BA (international studies) student, was elected vice-chairperson.
The 2020/21 SRC election was conducted entirely online for the first time, due to the Covid-19 threat.
According to SU, this year, a total of 3 543 students voted in the election of the campus leaders, the second highest voter turnout in the past five years – the 2018 election saw 4100 votes.
SU rector and vice-chancellor Professor Wim de Villiers said the role of the SRC was integral to the operations of the university.
“We are committed to involving and engaging students as co-participants and co-creators of a transformative student experience. So, our gratitude to the outgoing SRC for serving the student body, and well done to the incoming SRC. We look forward to working with all of you to overcome the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic so that we can go forward together,” he said.
Dr Choice Makhetha, senior director: student affairs, said that she was delighted by the conclusion of the first fully online election and thanked all the involved parties.
Makhetha congratulated Njengele and said that his election was no surprise to her, as he served in the interest of the students during the past year.
“You remained focused, present and accessible. May your term in office be fulfilling,” Makhetha said, as she encouraged Njengele to build a strong and united team.