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By: The Division of Communications & Advancement
Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 recently celebrated a historic milestone with the inauguration of its 2025 Students' Representative Council (SRC). This year's elections and the subsequent inauguration were marked by unprecedented student engagement, a record-breaking voter turnout, and a commitment to inclusivity that reflects the university's core values.
Record-Breaking Voter Turnout
The 2025 SRC elections were nothing short of historic, with the university recording the highest voter turnout in its history. According to Nomphumelelo Babeli, Chairperson of the Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Independent Electoral Board (IEB), out of the 7,177 full-time registered students, a remarkable 3,985 cast their votes, representing 55.5% of the student body. This level of participation far exceeded the required quorum of 33.3%, or 2,398 votes, and is a testament to Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 students' increasing political awareness and involvement. The surge in voter turnout is particularly noteworthy given the context of the university's 120th-anniversary celebrations, which have undoubtedly contributed to a heightened sense of community and civic responsibility among students.
A Diverse and Representative SRC
The newly elected SRC reflects the diverse and dynamic student body at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网. Tsidzo Hove, elected President with 2,438 votes—the highest ever received by an SRC President—leads this diverse council. Her victory is a personal achievement and a significant moment for the university, representing a breakthrough in gender representation in student leadership.
A significant highlight of the election was the representation of students living with disabilities. This year's Student Benefits and Scholarship Councillor is Lwango Gamca, with 1091 votes, who reflects Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and ensuring all voices are represented in student governance. This achievement aligns with the broader goals of the university, which strives to create an environment where every student can participate fully and contribute to the campus community.
This election also reflects a broader shift in the university's student culture towards greater inclusivity and advocacy for marginalised groups. It shows that Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 students are willing to champion leaders who represent their interests and bring diverse experiences and challenges into leadership roles, enriching the dialogue around student welfare and equity on campus.
The Road Ahead
As the new SRC begins its term, the expectations are high. The council will not only need to address the usual challenges of student life but will also need to build on the momentum generated by this record-breaking election. The high voter turnout signals a strong mandate from the student body, and the SRC will be expected to respond with leadership that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all students.
In her inaugural speech, President Tsidzo Hove spoke passionately about the role of universities as transformative agents within society. She emphasised the importance of learning from the past while courageously looking toward the future:
“Look at me, a young black woman standing in a spot where Ian Smith, who was also SRC President and the last Prime Minister of Rhodesia before it became an Independent Zimbabwe, also stood. May we recognise that universities are transformative actors within societies and safeguard that.”
As the Director of the Division of Student Services and Development, Dr. Pakiso Tondi expressed his pride during the SRC inauguration, acknowledging it as a pivotal moment for student empowerment. He highlighted the significance of student leadership in cultivating a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment. Dr. Tondi emphasised the critical role of the SRC in advocating for student needs, enhancing both academic and social experiences, and fostering a strong sense of community.
As Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 celebrates its 120th anniversary, the 2025 SRC inauguration is a powerful reminder of its enduring commitment to leadership, inclusivity, and student empowerment. “The new SRC is not just a representative body; it is a symbol of the university's vibrant student democracy and its ongoing journey towards greater inclusivity and participation. With this new council at the helm, the future of student governance at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 looks brighter than ever,” he concluded.