VOTING OPENS: STUDENTS SHAPE CAMPUS FUTURE

James Klusener

@jamesklusener

 

Over the past week, people have campaigned for the upcoming Student Campus Council (SCC) elections, spending time connecting with students, discussing issues and promoting values to secure their desired positions.

 

There are many different positions to fill, and while the candidates differ in many ways, they align on many key issues. One issue that was repeatedly raised was that of the private students and how the university could do more to incorporate them into campus life, ensuring they get the same experience and treatment as their residence counterparts. Jacquiline “Jackie” Pelusa, who is running for Treasurer, and Michaela Adolphe, a candidate for Transformation and Diversity Officer with Current Affairs (TAD), both shared this sentiment.

 

Some issues raised included the lack of communication between portfolios and the bureaucratic structures that can be challenging. Many candidates emphasised the need for increased collaboration amongst offices and portfolios. In addition, candidates expressed the need for increased communication between the university and the students regarding the Marketing and Public Relations office. Candidate Jade van Schalkwyk advocated for more timely communication, as well as accountability and transparency between leadership structures and students.

 

The arts remain a key part of North-West University (NWU), and Kyla Prinsloo, one of the candidates running for the Arts and Culture office, believes in creating a more expressive space for students within the arts portfolio while increasing participation from private students. In conversations with students involved in subcommittees and other leadership structures at the university, many members, whose identities are known to Wapad, are happy with the candidates running. They believe that, with the right candidates elected, the SCC has real potential to improve student life and bring about change for North-West students on the Potchefstroom campus.

 

The main themes among the candidates this year focused on the fundamental beliefs that are integral to any good administration in the position to affect change – values such as accountability, transparency, and the reinvention and revival of what certain portfolios, including the TAD office and the Students’ Interests and Development (SID) office.

 

Voting opened on Friday, 15 August, and continue until Wednesday, 20 August. Play your part in shaping the future of this campus by making your voice heard – vote for those you believe are fit for office and capable of doing the job well.

 

“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who didn’t vote.” – George Jean Nathan

SCC/KSR Potchefstroom (Source: NWU)

Edited by Isabel Burgers