By Lungisani Mkhulise
Following a clean sweep in the recent Student Representative Council (SRC) elections at Durban University of Technology (DUT), the Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC) is setting its sights on more than just political leadership, promising real, practical change through a series of student-focused programs and initiatives.
The EFFYC claimed a seventh consecutive win with over 8000 votes in the elections that were held between 17 and 19 September.
Incoming SRC member Inam Mbizweni shared that they plan to prioritise collaboration with departments within the university, especially housing and finance, to address long-standing issues affecting students funded by the embattled National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
“We want to work closely with key offices to ensure students have access to proper accommodation and clear communication around funding,” she said.
Mbizweni said the new SRC also aims to tackle perpetual challenges, such as residence allocations and the shortage of residences, by implementing transparent processes and accessible platforms for students to raise concerns.
Some of the programmes that are underway include financial literacy training, skills development and empowerment aimed at students not only academically but also in other aspects of life.
“This victory is more than just votes, it’s a call to action. We are here to lead, to work, and to deliver,” said Mbizweni.
Thandeka Zulu, a third-year student not affiliated with any political party, commented, “It is undeniable that the EFFYC has a strong following, but I wish that they would now concentrate less on politics and more on fixing student problems, such as accommodation and access to funding.”
Ahead of the elections, other students had raised concerns that the EFFYC has no strategy and intention to come up with solutions for the challenges students are facing besides protesting.
