“As an institution, we need to stop thinking of ourselves as inferior to anyone, we are better because we work harder.”
These were words uttered by Vice-Chancellor and Principal of WSU, Prof Rushiella Songca during a three-day the induction workshop for the 2022 Institutional and Campus Student Representative Council in East London.
The professor added, “This institution is our breeding ground; therefore, we must remind ourselves and others that we must have a sense of pride of our institution because we work very hard. It is only when we think we are inferior to anybody that we start behaving in ways that do not align with who we are or the values of the institution.”
Centered around the ‘Pursuit of Excellence’, Songca presented a vision board for the new SRC, which included the establishment of student academic bodies, increased engagements with management and amongst students, as well as Student exchanges.
“We are an institution with one of its core values being ‘Integrity and Honesty’, it is, therefore, imperative that we take each other seriously and sit down and talk about issues before they become bigger issues. We must be proactive in dealing with our issues, but we must do that with our core values in mind: Respect and Ubuntu,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
The induction and leadership program was to introduce and orientate the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) to the WSU Governance and Management Operational Manual guided by the strategic position.
“Today we want to cultivate leaders that will not only lead students in pursuit of excellence, but leaders that will go on to lead the world. We are also acknowledging and affirming the new ISRC and CSRC as critical stakeholders of the university, by polishing and adding to their already existing leadership skills,” said Student Affairs Executive Director, Dr Irene Mahasoa.
During the course of the induction workshop, student leaders and institutional management tackled issues such as Enhancing teaching, learning, and research to advance academic excellence, Enhancing student success and quality enhancement and Enhancing quality living and learning environment amongst other issues.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs & Research, Prof Mzikayise Binza said “In the time of disruptions and innovations, be an agile leader and stay firm in your values during your turn to new horizons. Move from good to great through robust and fruitful engagements.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Support and Risk Management, Dr Prince Jaca emphasized significance of having student leaders as stakeholders during decision making.
He said, “As a university we have commitments at several levels, including commitments to student. This is why the SRC is an important stakeholder in the university, to be a catalyst of progress in meeting those commitments so that, in turn, the institution is successful in its vision and mission.”
Upon reflection, ISRC president Batandwa Mangisa said, "We need to understand who we are as leaders, be aware that we are here to serve the needs of our fellow students, and in doing so we must maintain our integrity and honesty.
He added, “It is also important to align and abide by the Vision 2030 which seeks to transform the university into an iconic institution amongst others."
By Ongezwa Sigodi