The first female student representative council (SRC) president of the University of Limpopo, Sekedi Mabatha, has her priority set on advancing the development of online learning, ensuring that students' needs are met.
Mabatha, 22, a BSc agricultural economics honours student from Mohlaletse village in the province, made history at the institution when she was sworn in as SRC president on Wednesday last week.
“It is such an honour to be the first female SRC president in the 61 years of the institution's existence. It shows that times are changing and that the oppression of women is gradually becoming a thing of the past,” she said. “My job now is to ensure that all eligible students get devices to be able to partake in online classes so that no student is left behind.”
Mabatha said in the era of the 4IR where almost everything is done online, bringing in technology will be proposed to enhance the technological state of the university for easier day-to-day activities.
Mabatha said it was a struggle for many students from poor backgrounds, and as a result she was going to approach sponsors to come to the university and offer bursaries to these students.
“I have often noticed students skipping classes because they are hungry or they don’t have sanitary pads. The SRC will have a food parcel programme and sanitary towel drive to help those in need,” she said.
Mabatha said she also plans to deal with the issue of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). “It can't be that there are always delays when it comes to payments of NSFAS beneficiaries. This has to stop and students must get their allowances on time,” she said.
“We are mindful of the depth of the challenges that confront us and the road ahead will be difficult, but we will have to use our courage, wisdom and resolve to attain the dreams we have for our fellow students.”
The University’s vice-chancellor and principal, professor Mahlo Mokgalong, said the student leaders will always have the support of the management.
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