South African higher education institutions must produce graduates of whom they can be proud of, said Sibusiso Chalufu, the recently appointed Head of Student Affairs.

Chalufu, who previously held the position of Head of Student Development at the University of Pretoria, said developing CPUT students and ensuring that they impact positively on their communities is just one of the many challenges he will be taking up.

“There is a need for change in students’ mindsets. We need to show them that there is life beyond bashes,” he said.

Chalufu, who holds two Masters Degrees in Education, said he is not opposed to students having fun, but feels that they have a vital role to play in the development of the CPUT student and broader community.

One of the first programmes which Chalufu will focus on involves the development of the Student Representative Council (SRC).

Chalufu said currently the SRC is driving political agendas and not focusing on the needs of the student community.

He said SRCs at tertiary institutions are in place to “serve students” and address their needs.

“The SRC must add value to the student community. Servant leadership needs to be inculcated in them,” he said.

Chalufu said the SRC must be involved in programmes such as fund raising for needy students or promote programmes that will add value to students’ lives.

“If we want the SRC to be involved in such programmes, then we need to train them,” he said.

With the majority of students not participating in student governance, issues relating to student apathy will also be addressed.

“Students don’t have a sense of a SRC that is there for them. The SRC must develop a programme of action. They need to go out and ask students what they want and how the SRC can serve them,” he said.

Chalufu also wants to ensure that Student Affairs becomes the centre of all student activities at CPUT.

“I want to endeavor to involve all students in student governance, culture and sport. If we can achieve this, then we would have achieved a lot,” said Mr Chalufu

Other programmes include training and development of Student Development Officers and the implementation of regular meetings with the student population.

By Candes Keating

Photo: Sibusiso Chalufu, the recently appointed Head of Student Affairs.

Written by CPUT News
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The Student Representative Council (SRC) is the voice of the more than 33 000 students enrolled at CPUT.

The SRC is responsible for student governance and represents the CPUT student body on the various decision-making structures at the university by a Central SRC (CSRC) and four Local SRCs, which are based on the Bellville, Cape Town, Mowbray and Wellington Campuses.

Central SRC president Mbongiseni Mbatha says they are also responsible for assisting students in every aspect of their career development.

Some of the activities lined up for this year include an academic summit which will take place on each of the main campuses as well as a finance indaba with local businesses.

Mbongiseni says the SRC also creates opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular programmes such as socials, health campaigns, debates and sports. One such initiative aimed at first-years is a tour of the province.

Mbongiseni encourages first-years to visit the SRC offices at their campus and to interact with the various members.

Students can visit the Local SRC offices in the Student Centers at the Bellville, Cape Town and Mowbray campuses or at their office on the Wellington Campus.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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The Student Representative Council (SRC) is responsible for student governance at the institution.

It represents the student body on a number of university bodies, such as the university Council and serves as a channel of formal communication between the student community and structures of the university.

The SRC is composed of the Central SRC (CSRC) and five Local SRCs, which are based on the Bellville, Cape Town, Mowbray, Athlone and Wellington campuses.

The following students have been elected as chairpersons on the various campuses:

Central SRC President:

Phathindwe Mncamase

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Bellville:

Romaric Belmier Mbakop

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Cape Town:

Ayakha Magxothwa

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Mowbray:

Faith Sibiya

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Athlone:

Thobela Fani

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Wellington:

Tracy Wagenaar

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Students can visit the local SRC offices on their campuses. For contact details for individual members of the central and local SRCs, please visit: http://www.cput.ac.za/student/quick-links/src/src-members.

The SRC is guided by a Constitution which can be accessed at http://www.cput.ac.za/student/quick-links/src

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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Enthusiastic lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual (LGBTQIA+) community members and other members of the CPUT community recently converged at the Poolhouse for an event to mark the launch of the Queer Unicorns Student Society.

CPUT Queer Unicorns is an organisation that creates a safe, open, intersectional and equitable space in the university which enables the minority to be free in their pre-professional space, to participate and contribute with their utmost potential fully, explained the organisation’s treasurer, Ananinonke Mtalaliso. “Most importantly, the organisation consciously carries affirmations for individuals and all sexual identities. Enforcing advocacy and diversity is our priority,” Ananinonke continued.

“Our mission as an organisation is to establish and entrench a human rights culture in our society as laid [out] in our constitution.”

She added that the organisation firmly believed that the “post-apartheid transformation process for our society involves the prevention of discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity and removal of patriarchal and hetero normative privilege with this we uphold the six values enriched with freedom, equality, human dignity, non-discrimination, non-racism and non-sexism”.

“You are not what people say you are; you are what you know yourself to be and what you love.”

Student Development Officer: Student Governance and Leadership Development Melani-Ann Hara coordinated the launch and is providing support to the CPUT Queer Unicorn Structure.  Hara said she was proud to work with the structure and the executive team.

“This is the first time we have hoisted the LGBTQI flag at CPUT, and I am very proud to be part of this event.”

She said it was a momentous moment for all those involved in establishing the structure. “An event which proudly celebrated the CPUT LGBTQIA+ community. All enjoyed the launch, celebrated our diversity, and emphasised the need for the CPUT community to become a more inclusive space for all,” she said.  

The students have put in the hard work throughout last year, meeting with the relevant CPUT stakeholders to build an LGBTQIA+ Student Structure with support and a strong foundation to provide a safe space for all and an inclusive CPUT environment. Queer Unicorns secretary Kabelo Rapholo said: “It is all our responsibility to ensure CPUT spaces are safe and inclusive for all, stand up against discrimination, hate crimes and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community. I would encourage all CPUT students and staff to educate themselves and engage with the CPUT Queer Unicorns Student Society and the activities they will roll out throughout the year. It is up to us to create a truly inclusive CPUT for all.”

 Addressing the guests, the Director: of the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change: Office of the Vice Chancellor, Nonkosi Tyolwana, said: “We are here today with the understanding that ending marginalisation and exclusion of LGBTQIA+ people is a human rights priority – and a development imperative.

“We are here together to break down the barriers that prevent LGBTQIA+ people from exercising their full human rights. Doing that will liberate them to fully and productively contribute to our common economic progress. Our investments in eliminating intolerance and hate will bring huge benefits across the university agenda.”

Bellville SRC Chairperson Lutho Xakayi urged the LGBTQIA+ society to be patient with those unfamiliar with them and urged the society and its structure to educate those still in the dark about LGBTQIA+ community rights. “This is a transformation that we have been fighting for,” Lutho said. Sammy Elie, head of Student Governance and Leadership Development, pronounced the University’s support for the students’ achievements. “Never undermine what you have achieved today; we endorse your actions.”    

Written by Aphiwe Boyce