Advocacy and equality: New SRC president’s vibrant vision

“I am passionate about creating a space for others, knowledge, personal growth, advocacy, equality, community development and growth, activism and good laughs from time to time.”

That is how new University of Cape Town (UCT) Students’ Representative Council (SRC) president, third-year business science student, Thando Lukhele, describes herself as she assumes the task of heading up the institution’s highest decision-making student body.

The new SRC officially assumed office on 1 November 2024 and will serve until 31 October 2025. A total of 7 519 students cast their votes during a week-long period last year, representing nearly 29% of UCT’s 26 124-strong student body.

Lukhele, born and raised in Soweto, Gauteng, promises that they can look forward to “inclusivity, representation and impact”.

“Students can expect me to be approachable, empathetic and committed to addressing their concerns with integrity and transparency,” she said.

“I will strive to create a safe and inclusive space where all voices are heard and valued, regardless of background or circumstances. In every engagement, I aim to be proactive, solutions-driven, and focused on fostering meaningful change that benefits the student body.”

Authentic, inquisitive

Dedicated to keeping students’ interests at the forefront of all her decisions, and representing them with authenticity, Lukhele also jokes that they should expect her to ask plenty of questions.

She’s very inquisitive, she admitted, and fully committed to viewing students as human beings, rather than just another peer on campus.

“Accessibility means taking a holistic approach to overcoming barriers that affect a student’s ability to fully access their education – from financial challenges to housing.”

January is an extremely busy period as new students navigate their new environment, while returning students hit the refresh button for the year.

Lukhele said the SRC will be ready to assist with all pressing student matters: “During my year as president, my focus will be on accessibility and inclusivity. Accessibility means taking a holistic approach to overcoming barriers that affect a student’s ability to fully access their education – from financial challenges to housing.”

A strong sense of belonging

Also key to ensuring inclusivity is fostering a strong sense of belonging, and ensuring that students feel empowered to own and “take up space” at UCT.

“Do our students see themselves as academics here? Do they feel like they truly belong and can engage with the university as if it were their own? These are the questions I aim to address through my leadership, working towards an environment where every student can thrive,” she explained.

Strengthening communication between students and UCT’s leadership is also on Lukhele’s list of priorities. She wants to ensure transparency and accountability in respect of all relevant decisions.

With empathy and collaboration underpinning her leadership style, Lukhele credits her mother as a great motivator: “Her pride in me is a powerful source of motivation.”

Equally inspiring is her student experience at UCT, she added.

“When I look at UCT over the years, I see a place of growth, resilience and transformation. It has been a hub with a rich history of overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries.

“It embodies a dynamic spirit where ideas are challenged, and students are empowered to create meaningful change both within the university and in the broader community.”

For Lukhele, UCT is not about what it has been, but rather about what it can become.

“I see a university at which, one day, everyone will feel at home.”