By Uvile Soci
Rhodes University students increasingly dissatisfied with their leaders this week openly voiced their frustration with the Student Representative Council (SRC).
Amid accusations of ineffectiveness, inaccessibility, and failing to deliver on key student concerns, this crisis of confidence has placed the SRC under intense scrutiny. Campus conversations have been dominated by unverified reports of internal tension and speculation about the leadership’s future.
Since the beginning of the academic year, students have repeatedly raised concerns about issues ranging from financial aid delays and gender-based violence to the lack of transformation within university structures. Many feel the SRC has been slow or passive in responding.
“We are tired of empty rhetoric,” said a fourth-year Humanities student who asked to remain anonymous. “The SRC claims to represent us, but most of us feel abandoned, especially when we’re hungry, under pressure, and unsupported.”
Shutdown flashpoint
A flashpoint occurred earlier this year when the SRC called for a campus-wide shutdown in protest against the university’s failure to act decisively on sexual violence and campus safety. However, critics say the action lacked follow-through, and tangible results remain elusive.
Tensions peaked during an emergency student body meeting last Thursday at the General Lecture Theatre, where SRC President Siyanda Vilakazi announced the outcome of a vote of no confidence against the Media Councillor. Although the floor was briefly opened for questions, the meeting ended with many students feeling dismissed and frustrated by what they described as Vilakazi’s dismissive and arrogant tone.
Following Thursday’s meeting, calls for Vilakazi to step down were made by the Rhodes University EFF Youth Command along with the members of Student Parliament. According to an official statement by the Student Parliament, “The awakened members of Student Parliament have seen, and we share the outrage directed towards the SRC regarding their isolationism and ongoing refusal to be held accountable.”
President steps down
Following calls for his removal from office, Vilakazi stepped down from his position of President of the SRC from 28 July. The position was then assumed by Vice President, Linathi Ndubela.
With student frustration mounting and formal channels losing credibility, calls for independent student action are growing louder. Some have proposed the formation of alternative representative bodies, while others are demanding constitutional reforms to the structure and accountability mechanisms of the SRC.
Grocott’s Mail will continue to follow this story.
