NWU SCC INAUGURAL MARKS NEW TERM

Lesiba Dikhoba 

@lesiba.dikhoba 

 

The North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom Campus, witnessed the official handover of the Students’ Campus Council (SCC) governing body on 21 August alongside the presentations of the SID awards.

 

The event took place at the Amphitheatre, with the outgoing SCC board for the 2023/2024 term handing over their positions to the newly elected members for the 2024/225 term. Ruben Coetzer was elected as the new SCC Chairperson, succeeding Nomvula Chasakara who served the role for the past year.

 

The inauguration ceremony included the presentation of the SID awards, honouring the remarkable achievements of various student residences and programs. Wag-’n-Bietjie, a ladies’ residence at the NWU, stood out as a top performer as they secured both the ladies’ best and overall best-performing residence with an outstanding 97,6%. De Wilgers clinched the best-performing men’s residence awards with an impressive 87,3%, while Hope of Glory was acknowledged for its community and stakeholder engagement. Other notable winners included Vergeet-My-Nie, the Faculty of Economics, and Hospital Projects for their contributions to different community and outreach programs.

 

The event was marked by an impactful speech that set the tone for the upcoming governing council for the term ahead. Prof. Daryl Balia, the Office of the Potchefstroom Campus deputy vice-chancellor offered uplifting remarks to the elected members, emphasising the importance of serving students. “As you embark on this journey, remember that your responsibility not only involves leading but serving our students. And in order to serve, you’ve got to listen. Be good listeners,” he encouraged the incoming board. He went on to highlight the significance of continuous learning and innovation, referencing Robert Greene. “The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.” The professor encouraged the new council members to foster a spirit of diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration during their term.

 

Nomvula Chasakara, the outgoing SCC Chairperson, delivered an emotional farewell by reflecting on the leadership journey and the importance of leading with a spirit of servitude. “In addressing the student populace, I’ve waited for this moment for a whole year. I took it upon myself to reflect on what it means to make a change and to change the mindsets of the generation. What it means to lead with a heart of servitude.” She thanked her team, the Office of Student Life, and her parents who were present at the ceremony for their support, concluding with a touching quote from Charles Achebe. “The world is like a mask dancing. If you want to see it well, you do not stand in one place.”

 

Reuben Coetzer, the newly elected SCC Chairperson, delivered his first speech, showing gratitude to the outgoing council and anticipating the challenges to come. “We, as the newly elected SCC, take up that challenge. I’m extremely excited for what the term holds for all of us and what we can achieve together,” Coetzer said. He referenced the words of Bernard Shaw to urge his team to dream big and break new ground, saying, “May the words of George Bernard Shaw ring true for us in this term when he said, ‘Some men dream of things the way they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were and say why not.’ May we ask ‘why not’ in this term.”

 

The new SCC leadership team, including Deputy Chairperson Fikile Mangengenene, Secretary Khethiwe Nhlapo, and other portfolio leaders are ready to lead the student body with a renewed commitment to addressing student needs and building a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.

 

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo