The University of Mpumalanga’s (UMP) Student Representative Council (SRC) and Committee Representative Council (CRC) hosted their annual Gala Dinner to welcome the new SRC leadership to take the reins for the 2015/2016 academic year.
Addressing the student organisations at the dinner which took place at the Bundu Inn on October 14, 2015, UMP Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, thanked the outgoing representatives for the leadership they have shown during their tenure.
“Thank you for the exemplary leadership you have provided to your fellow students. From the time UMP came into existence you all were ready to fulfil your purpose as representatives of the students of this institution. In the chronicles of the history of UMP, you will always be on record as the Fist UMP SRC and CRC, this status of pioneering leadership will remain permanently yours.”
Prof Mayekiso also welcomed the newly elected representatives and encouraged them to carry on the legacy of the outgoing members.
“As you take on your new responsibilities as representatives of the students of UMP, know that we as the university’s management will always have the best interests of the students at heart, but more importantly, our commitment is in upholding the Values of UMP in a professional and dignified manner. Our hope therefore is that as the new representatives you will ensure that alignment to this commitment never wavers.”
Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza, also addressed the students saying that the whole of the student affairs department had only good things to say about the outgoing representatives.
“We were impressed with how the outgoing SRC and CRC displayed integrity, political tolerance and respect for other’s views though different or conflicting to theirs.”
He further expressed that he hoped that the collaborative relationship that was had with the outgoing SRC /CRC would continue.
The Vice-Chancellor closed the gala dinner by expressing that she was looking forward to working with the new SRC and CRS. She encouraged them to be solution seekers and to rise to the occasion of upholding the UMP Flag High.
“I would like to close with the Seven Pillars of Excellence from the book “In Search of Excellence” by author Tom Peters. Enthusiasm, Energy, Execution, Engagement, Empathy, Emotions and Excellence.
The outgoing president of SRC, Mr Muzi Khoza, made his farewell speech and encouraged the new SRC and CRC to be ambassadors of UMP and to demand 100% commitment from university management when it comes to making students a priority and that nothing concerning students can happen without the involvement of students.
Mr Khoza quoted words of advice to the new members from Prof Sipho Seepe’s lecture “To raise Issues in a diplomatic manner and not resort to violence”.
Some of the other UMP personnel in attendance at the dinner included; Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Richard Bernard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Institutional Support, Prof Rachmond Howard, Coordinator: Stakeholder Liaison Communication and Marketing, Prof John Shongwe, Registrar, Mr Sello Legodi, Executive Director HR, Mr Leonard Mavuso and Executive Director Finance, Mr Kevin Pather .