Below is an extract from a speech delivered by Yusuf Cassim MPL, delivered at the NMU Melodi Dining Hall. Cassim was joined by DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille, DASO Constituency Leader Baxolile Nodada MP, PE Southwest Constituency Leader Retief Odendaal MPL, and newly elected NMU SRC President Lathitha Mbuzwana:
Today, we gather to celebrate a monumental victory for the students of Nelson Mandela University. I am immensely proud to stand before you as we applaud the remarkable achievement of the DA Student Organisation (DASO), led by our president-elect, Lathitha Mbuzwana. Your collective voices have echoed loud and clear, and together we have ushered in a new era of stability and good governance.
In the recent SRC election, DASO secured a landslide victory, winning an astonishing 79% of the seats. We triumphed on four out of five campuses, secured five of the nine Central SRC seats, and won 34 out of 43 overall available seats. We also gained representation in all seven faculties. These are not just numbers; they are a testament to the trust students have placed in us. DASO has moved from 22% last year to a commanding majority, showcasing a resounding call for change.
This victory signifies a shift – a movement towards transparency, accountability, and accessibility. The youth’s support for the DA continues to grow, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of a new generation of leaders ready to take charge. We are excited to witness the positive changes that Lathitha and the newly elected SRC members will bring to our university.
We understand that an effective SRC must be responsive to the needs of every student. We are committed to ensuring that no student is left behind and that every voice is heard. Together, we will build a Student Representative Council that embodies the values of good governance and dedicated leadership.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every student who participated in this election. Your voices matter, and we will ensure they are heard loud and clear.
With this mandate, we will prioritise the needs of our students, tackling the challenges they face with determination and innovation. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for NMU, where good governance and responsible leadership will be our guiding principles.
We will work tirelessly to create an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and able to thrive both academically and personally.
Let us embrace this opportunity, ensuring that our time here at NMU leaves a legacy of progress.
Port Elizabethan
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