There has been quite a lot of movement within the SRC. We have seen two council members resigning. Namely, Mx Phumelele Nkomozake and Ms. Nondumiso Msezana. The reasons for resignation, in both cases, was because of personal issues.
Given the resignation, there has been some movement within the SRC. Mr Lukhanyo Tshongweni was elected as the new Secretary General, and his vacated position, that of Treasurer General is now occupied by Ms Phelisa Yoyo.
As a council, a decision was made that the Activism and Transformation and the Residence Councillor portfolios will be left vacant. The duties that were meant to be done by these councillors are now being shared amongst the Exec of the SRC.
There has also been movement within Exec owing to the two resignation. We welcomed Ms Unathi Mabukana and Ms Tebogo Molathlegi into the Exec.
The President and Vice-President, over the August holidays were invited to parliament where they had to present a student perspective on Gender based violence.
Third term, even though it was a short term, was a term filled with many exciting events. One of them was the election of the 2019 SRC. A successful election period was enjoyed by all those who were involved. We would like to congratulate and wish Mr Samkelo Mngandi (the newly elected President) and Mr General Mvengenya (newly elected Secretary General) along with the rest of their team all the best for the year 2019.
We would also like to congratulate all those who have been elected into the various sub structures of the SRC for the year 2019. From society committees to SRC Hall Rep, khanisiphathe ngoxolo nto zakuthi.
Having only been in office for a short period, a lot of my time has been spent dealing with student disciplinary issues. Must state, looking at the figures for the first semester and those of the second semester, it seems as though students are making up for the good behaviour in first semester with bad behaviour this semester. This is a concern, especially looking at the numbers.
In my capacity as the Secretary General, I attended the NSFAS meeting in Johannesburg where student leaders and key stakeholder from across the South African University and Civil society came together to map a way forward with NSFAS. The main idea of the meeting was to look at the interventions that the newly appointed Director had, and assist him in terms of the implementation of his interventions.
I must state, the progress that he had made in such a short time definitely left those in attendance with a brighter outlook and hope about the future and sustainability of NSFAS.
I have also attended various committee meetings, along with council meetings.
Treasurer General Report
This term there has not been much spending done. The two biggest expenditures were the Bus to Khensani Maseko’s Funeral in Joburg and the after party of Inauguration.
I arranged the transport to the funeral, which took place on the 9th of August 2018. A single bus was made available for SRC, SRC Almuni, students from her Res and EFFSc members. We departed from Steve Biko building on the 8th of August 2018. The total cost of the bus was R13 500.
The Inauguration after party took place in the RA room, the total cost of the party was R4 500.
I organize the venue, sound system and police clearance for the march we had for the late Ms Maseko up to the Monument. The March took place on the 7th of August 2018, starting from Rhodes University to the 1820 Settlers Monument.
I headed an SRC team that presented at a Multilingual Colloquium that was hosted by CHERTL and the Rhodes University Language Committee. The event was held on the 23rd of August 2018 at the Environmental Building, opposite the Student Bureau.
I attended all the SRC Council meetings, but one. I missed it because of personal reasons. I also attended various committee meetings that I sit on in the University. Namely Senate meeting, which was held on the 25th of August 2018 and the Student Service Council meeting which was held on the 20th of August 2018.
I managed to get Xtreme Embroidary to sponsor the SRC and SRC staff with backpacks. I was also engaged with sponsors to see if they could sponsor the make-up and hair as part of the Matric Collection project that Madam Community Engagement was heading. Unfortunately, I was not able to get any funding.
This semester I have also been working on the Ubuntu Fund Benefit concert, it is confirmed and will be happening on the 13th and 14th of September at the Drama Theatre. It is unfortunate this event had to be postponed for unforeseen reasons. And for the record, it had nothing to do with Sis Unathi.
Update on the financial position of the SRC:
As you may remember, the money allocated to the SRC is split amongst four main budgets. Below I give the balances of these accounts:
Bus Budget: The Opening balance was R 130 000
Expenses to date (petrol, salaries + repairs) R 101465.09
Balance currently R 28 534, 91
Committees Budget: Opening Balance R 290 000
Expenses R 264 674
Closing Balance R 25 326
Running Budget: Opening balance R 630 000
Expenses R 499 721, 79
Closing Balance R 130 278, 21
Orientation Budget: Opening balance R 275 000
Expenses R 275 000
Closing balance R 0
In some accounts it may seem as though there is still a healthy balance, however, it must be stated that there has been a budget forecast that has been done from now until the end of the year. By the time the year to a close, most, if not all, of the fund will be depleted.