Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - October 31, 2004
Gillian Anstey
WHAT are the challenges facing varsity students in the 21st century?
Uncertainty about the future (employment), HIV/Aids and financial security (making enough money).
What were the main issues you dealt with as president of the SRC?
We dealt mostly with the following things:
The new student governance model. SRCs have been made statutory bodies and part of the corporate governing structures of institutions. In line with this, the UCT SRC restructured its governance firstly to ensure that the SRC is the primary governing structure on student matters [as per the Higher Education Act of 1997] and secondly to ensure that the SRC can better play its role in representing students in the wider university community. This model was recently approved by the University Council and part of the work of the SRC involved implementation.
Transformation. Transformation has been very slow at UCT with regards to both staff and students, and also the institutional culture. The SRC has been very vocal on structures that the university should put in place to enhance transformation at UCT. We recently adopted a Student Transformation Charter, which covers issues like access, retention, academic support, community development and African scholarship.
Academic calendar. UCT intended changing its academic calendar in 2005 to be in line with the university [calendar] in the West - Harvard, Oxford etc. This was done with very little or no student consultation. The SRC has managed to postpone the implementation of this so that students can be consulted. It was a big thing - we had a protest march.
Student matters such as academic and financial exclusions, resources, accommodation and any other day-to-day issues students bring up.
Improving student life, such as organising activities.
What did you gain by being involved in student politics?
An understanding of governance, student politics and skills such as conflict management, negotiation skills, financial management, and interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
What was the worst part of being involved in student politics?
Not having enough time to spend with my friends as I was always busy in meetings and workshops.
You are studying business science. Do you feel that your studies are equipping you to deal with the real world out there?
Yes, I think so. The Business Science degree is a very well-designed programme with good courses that expose one to a number of things in business, politics and society. One also gains a lot from the group projects and presentations.
How politically aware are students these days?
Students are not as politically aware as they used to be in the 1980s. This has both a good and a bad side. The good thing is that it shows that our democracy is growing and that we as a country have, or are, working through the major issues.
The concern is that if there is no involvement at a student level, it is serious for a country in terms of leadership.
What are the advantages of being a student on campus as opposed to distance learning?
Definitely the experience of being on campus - the student vibe, student life and the campus issues that one has to deal with. You get to meet friends, learn a new language - I am currently learning Sotho and Shona - and try out new things.
What tips can you give prospective first-year students?
Varsity can be the best place or the best experience of your life. Set priorities. Play hard and work hard - varsity is costly. But most importantly, enjoy it and make new friends - and learn a new language. Oh, take care of yourself and be safe at all times. I'm not only referring to security issues but also to ôcondomisingö.
What advice can you give prospective students about choosing a course of study?
This is a very important decision as you are not only choosing a course of study, but also a possible career path. Take time out, seek advice, speak to people who know you so that you can establish your passions and what you want to be in life.
It is important that YOU make the decision. Remember, if you make the wrong decision the first time, it's not the end of the world - you can always change it later.
What is the best thing about being a student at UCT?
Student life and the friends that I have met.
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