SRC election campaign in full swing

Campaign trail: SRC candidate Student Kwadwo Owusu introduces himself at the election launch.

One thing stood out at the launch of the 2011/2012 Students' Representative Council elections on 12 September: more and more students at UCT are interested in student governance.

This year, no fewer than 40 students will vie for 17 seats (increased from 15 seats, in accordance with the new SRC constitution) on the student body, up from 30 last year and 23 way back in 2007. (There have been promising increments in student voting.)

"The large number of candidates is a clear indication that interest in student governance is alive on campus," said outgoing SRC secretary, Sean Darge. At the launch, candidates introduced themselves to a packed Molly Blackburn Hall, some resorting to humour, theatrics and even strong language to draw attention.

The launch was followed by the first of five scheduled evening question-and-answer sessions, held at Liesbeeck Gardens. Others took place at Graca Machel Hall, Rochester, Forest Hill and Clarinus.

More sessions were held daily during lunchtimes, at Medical School, Kramer Building, Hiddingh Hall and Upper Campus.

Voting will take place from 19 to 23 September, and instructions for voting can be found on Vula.