PREPARATIONS FOR THE UPCOMING STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES COUNCIL ELECTIONS AT IYUNIVESITHI WALTER SISULU

As the upcoming Student Representatives Council elections at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu draw closer, preparations are underway to ensure that students are informed, elections-ready, and able to exercise their right to vote.

The elections are scheduled to take place on 17 and 18 September 2026, providing students with an opportunity to choose representatives who will champion, raise issues affecting their academic experience and welfare.

As part of the preparations, the Student Representatives Council (SRC) will be educating on the voting process including how to address ICT issues while the university is putting measure in place to ensure that all eligible students are able to cast their votes.

Student Affairs Practitioner, Amanda Mtsotso urged the students to approach the elections with a focus on leadership and issues that directly affect their academic success and wellbeing, rather than voting based on popularity.

She encouraged students to look behind candidates’ visibility and the colours of their campaigns T-shirts when deciding who deserves their support.

“We have implemented several safeguards, Campus Electoral Committee (CEC), a certified voters roll, your vote is your secret the principle that every student’s vote is confidential and their voting choice is their own, code of conduct and campaign guidelines, and collaboration with campus safety and security, “she said.

She also added as a Student Governance Leadership Development in Mthatha they have put comprehensive measures to ensure transparent, fair and credible SRC elections, this includes establishing CEC which will look specifically to SRC elections processes.

Secretary of Central Student Representatives Council, Sinethemba Matiwane highlighted that political organisation will be supported with resources, venues and transport for their activities, with the aim of encouraging student participation. ICT has also been engaged to prepare its systems for increased activity during the voting period.

“The massage to students is simple and clear one man, one vote, be selfish with your vote. vote for someone you know and believe can do the work, someone who can balance both leadership and schoolwork. Elections are about bread-and-butter issues, just remember that,” Matiwane said.

As election preparations continue, the focus remains on encouraging active student participation and ensuring that students understand the role they play in shaping student leadership at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu.

By Ulungile Matebese and Masilakhe Ndlakuse