Yesterday, on 8 October, the third sitting of the 2025 Student Representative Council (SRC) student forum took place at Thuto 1-1 starting at 17:30, against the backdrop of two previously unsuccessful forums that had failed to reach completion. What followed was marked by disorder after several disruptions, missing reports, and multiple walkouts. The Deputy President of the SRC, Tshiamo Makunye, was absent yet again, with his excuse currently under review, and his report was not uploaded for another member to present. Other SRC members also failed to submit their reports, including the Deputy Secretary General himself, Sakhile Masemula.
During proceedings, a representative of the South African Democratic Teachers Union Student Chapter (SADTUSC) made a remark that was challenged. When he was asked to retract it, he refused, and when told to leave, he again refused, which began the chaos of the evening. The newly elected presiding officer, Chief Justice Chidi, rightly asserted his authority, stating that disciplinary action would be taken. Despite this being Chidi’s first time handling such a situation, he did not allow disorderly conduct to derail the proceedings and dealt firmly with attempts to disrupt the forum.
The presentation by Academics 2 Officer, Anathi Nkomonyen drew criticism for going on for too long as he covered two portfolios and used excessive filler words, although in content it offered some of the most constructive feedback of the day. Frustration continued to mount, and many attendees walked out after the Societies’ representative and incoming Secretary General, Thabo Matsimela spoke. During the proceedings, members were asked to present in a more structured manner, providing timelines regarding quarter 2 and quarter 3, instead of reading in a disorganised and confusing fashion.
When the forum reached the stage of “questions with prior notice,” the current SRC President, Vhutshilo Muambadzi, answered one, followed by another SRC member. At that point, Chief Justice Chidi announced that too few students remained in attendance for the forum to continue, forcing an early adjournment. The Deputy Secretary General, Sakhile Masemula, confirmed that remaining questions would be answered in writing and distributed in a report.
Following the forum, the EFFSC voiced its dissatisfaction, arguing once again that the SRC was not held accountable, a problem reoccurring with all the forums that have taken place this year. They confronted both PDBY and Chief Justice Chidi before leaving.
In the end, the forum yet again highlighted frustrations with attendance, accountability, and structure, but was also proof that the newly elected Chief Justice was willing to uphold order and exercise authority decisively when confronted with deliberate disruption.
Relebogile Manana