Witsies,it’stimetomakeyourvoicesheard.
The SRC elections is one of the most important events in the annual student life cycle It presents an opportunity for students to shape the future of student life and development, and to elect from amongst themselves, students in good standing, who will best represent their views, their hopes and dreams, student representatives who will advocate for them and help create a campus environment in which every student can thrive by putting student success at the centre of their agenda. These elections are held at a time of much uncertainty. And given the impact of AI and the high youth unemployment rate in South Africa, important questions are being asked about the purpose and future of higher education.
At Wits we embrace this future fully and are committed to graduating students who are equipped to face this uncertain world, graduates able to make a meaningful contribution to shaping the world for good as global scholars and leaders with integrity. This is why we welcome students from all corners of South Africa and the world, and particularly the African continent, to Wits. The richness and diversity of experiences and perspectives we all bring to our campus, is part of what makes Wits Africa's number one university. Let the SRC reflect this.
I wish to encourage you to participate in the process of electing your student representatives for the year ahead. Participating, and exercising your vote, is important for several reasons:
1.The SRC is a recognised structure (through the higher education act and the institutional statute) within the University, and participates in the governance of the University;
2 The SRC formally represents your interests and gives voice to both the challenges you may face and the aspirations you may have as a Wits student, representing you institutionally, nationally and beyond. It is important that you shape this through your participation;
3 The SRC shapes the student experience and student life through a range activities and programmes, and through the various student governance structures, sub-committees, etc.;
4.Democracy requires active participation by citizens. Your participation in the elections forms part of your citizenship role as a full member of the Wits community I wish to encourage you to attend the various election events arranged for you to familiarise yourself with what the various candidates have to offer, and to get an opportunity to question them on their offerings. This will help inform your vote.
Over this period, you may be challenged to deeply think about yourself, your own experiences and how these relate to those of your fellow students. I ask that you respect the different perspectives and experiences that will be put forward, that you debate these and that you cast your vote putting the interests (and future) of students and this great university above all.
And lastly, I ask that you hold the candidates, your fellow students and yourself, to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. As we mark 50 years since the 1976 student uprisings, we are reminded that student leadership carries both power and responsibility.
#WitsForGood
JeromeSeptember Dean of Student Affairs
As the University of the Witwatersrand prepares to elect the incoming tudent Representative Council on 22 and 23 September 2026, I extend, on ehalf of the 104th Student Representative Council Administration, my ncere encouragement to every eligible student to participate fully and esponsibly in this important constitutional process. he election of the Student Representative Council is one of the most gnificant expressions of democratic governance within our University. It is hrough this process that students collectively determine those entrusted ith the responsibility of advancing their interests, safeguarding their rights, nd contributing to the continued development of our institution The gitimacy of student representation is ultimately derived from the confidence nd participation of the student body, making every vote both a democratic ght and an institutional responsibility The University of the Witwatersrand as long been distinguished by a proud tradition of principled student adership, intellectual engagement, and democratic participation
Each generation of student leaders inherit not only the privilege of serving, but also the responsibility of strengthening the institutions of student governance for those who will follow. The forthcoming elections therefore represent more than the selection of office-bearers; they constitute an affirmation of our shared commitment to accountable leadership, constitutional governance and the enduring values upon which this University has been built. I encourage every student to approach these elections with maturity, respect and a clear appreciation of their significance. Participate thoughtfully, engage constructively with the ideas and programmes presented by candidates, and exercise your democratic choice conscientiously. In doing so, we collectively reinforce a culture of participation, accountability and institutional stewardship that remains indispensable to the health of our democratic community
To every candidate who has offered themselves for election, I extend my best wishes Your willingness to serve reflects an important commitment to the collective interests of the student body I encourage you to conduct your campaigns with integrity, humility and respect for both your fellow candidates and the constitutional processes that govern our elections Leadership is neither an entitlement nor a contest of personalities; it is a public trust founded upon service, ethical conduct and an unwavering commitment to advancing the welfare of the students we are privileged to represent
As the incumbent 104th SRC Administration, we remain committed to supporting a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process, while ensuring an orderly and responsible institutional transition to the incoming Student Representative Council The continuity and stability of student governance are strengthened when democratic processes are conducted with integrity and when leadership transitions are approached with the dignity they deserve
I therefore call upon every eligible student to participate in the Student Representative Council Elections on 22 and 23 September 2026. Your participation will shape not only the leadership of the coming year but also the continued strength, legitimacy and future of student governance at the University of the Witwatersrand. I wish every candidate well and express my confidence that the incoming Student Representative Council will continue to uphold the proud traditions of leadership, service and institutional excellence that define our University.
Yours Fraternally, President | Mr.GilbertNchabeleng
The104 StudentRepresentativeCouncil(SRC) th UniversityoftheWitwatersrand.
Wits East Campus, Student Union Building, 2 Floor, Office 239B nd Tel/Cel: 011 717 9307/ 082 514 5835, Email: src president@students wits ac za
