The Rhodes SRC's R350 000 debt is under control, all of its vacant positions have been filled and the new team is working well together, president Sakh'usomeleze Badi told Grocott’s Mail this week.
The Rhodes SRC's R350 000 debt is under control, all of its vacant positions have been filled and the new team is working well together, president Sakh'usomeleze Badi told Grocott’s Mail this week.
Amid widespread criticism and distrust from students regarding financial matters, the SRC says things are progressing as they should.
At the 25 February student forum, SRC treasurer Ntsikelelo Qoyo outlined the formalised three-year payment plan to pay off the remainder of its much publicised deficit, which sits at around R350 000.
As is evident in its 2013 budget, still to be officially audited, the SRC is watching its spending carefully.
They plan to pay off another R100 000 this year.
“The money which the university allocates annually to the SRC is intended to benefit all students, so students have a right to know how it is spent. This is particularly relevant when it comes to societies grants,” said Dean of Students Dr Vivian de Klerk.
Student mistrust of the SRC in this matter stems largely from a lack of transparency in the past.
“Poor oversight of societies has added to this negative impression,” De Klerk said.
However, the council’s budget will be made available to anyone interested in the SRC’s spending, Qoyo said.
A poor understanding of the role the SRC is mandated to perform and the assistance they are able to offer students has further aggravated its public image.
“I think if we were to have a video camera at councils and of councillors doing the things that they do, it would make an impact,” said Badi, speaking about a number of largely unnoticed responsibilities that student councillors undertake.
The work done by the SRC needed to be better communicated, Badi said.
This formed part of the media councillor’s portfolio, but the councillor’s resignation last month meant this wasn't happening.
