The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) celebrated its remarkable victory in the Nelson Mandela University Student Representative Council (SRC) election with a rally held at the South Campus Cafeteria in Gqeberha. In a stunning display of support, the "blue team" secured an impressive 79% of the available seats, dominating four out of five campuses and winning five of the nine central SRC positions, totalling 34 out of 45 seats. The celebration featured prominent speakers, including DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille, Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson Yusuf Cassim MPL, DASO Constituency Leader Baxolile Nodada MP, Port Elizabeth Southwest Constituency Leader Retief Odendaal MPL, and the newly elected Nelson Mandela University SRC President Lathitha Mbuzwana. In her address, Helen Zille commended the newly elected SRC, focusing on the theme of respect. “The last SRC election was won by the EFF, and this time the blue team has shown them who will govern South Africa in the future. Thank you for showing your commitment. You get the government you vote for, and if you want decent services and accountability, you’ve come to the right place. Mister President Mbuzwana, we will be watching you carefully. Much has been entrusted to you, and much will be expected in return,” she remarked. Zille highlighted the importance of democratic practices within universities, emphasizing the significance of SRC elections. She noted the progress the DA has made in governance, citing the party's rise in the Western Cape as a testament to their dedication and hard work. In his address, President Lathitha Mbuzwana expressed the commitment of the 2025 SRC to prioritize issues affecting students. “We aim to change the cycle of SRC members disappearing after elections. Our primary focus will be on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). We need to decentralize NSFAS due to the ongoing challenges students face when dealing with it from campuses , …
Source: MyPR International

