UMP Inaugurates its 2023 Members of the SRC/CRCs

On Tuesday, 28 February 2023 the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) hosted the Investiture Ceremony for the 2023 Student Representative Council (SRC) and the Campus Representative Councils (CRCs) at the Mbombela Campus. The inauguration of the members of the SRC/CRCs follows the elections that were held towards the end of 2022. The Investiture of the members of the SRC and CRCs is an official ceremony of the University which concludes the process of electing the student leadership into office. The members of the SRC and CRCs get the opportunity to be introduced to UMP’s creed towards the promotion of student governance and leadership.

In delivering the main address at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UMP, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, congratulated the SRC/CRC members and wished them well as they begin their leadership journey. “You have made it into the illustrious list of students - who get the opportunity to serve other students in a leadership capacity. You find yourselves in a position of mutuality and reciprocity, in the sense that as you serve others you get many moments to sharpen and hone your leadership skills and enhance your competencies,” said Prof Mayekiso.
The Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza welcomed the SRC/CRC in their new leadership roles. Dr Maminza advised the SRC/CRCs to lead by example if they are to be effective leaders. “As an effective leader, you should be able to influence others without abusing your position. The ability to influence others in a positive way is an important characteristic of good leadership. As Management, we look forward to work with you and our doors are always open to have engagements with you,” said Dr Maminza.

In his acceptance speech, the President of the SRC, Mr Mbongeni Mnisi, urged members of the SRC/CRCs to work as a collective to fulfil the mandate as given by students. “We must always remember that we have been elected to serve the entire UMP student population and not only serve students who voted for us. We should focus on championing student issues, learn as we lead and at all times engage with Management to advance the interests of our fellow students” said Mnisi.