By: Mthobisi Nozulela

The newly elected South African Students Congress (SASCO), led Student Representative Council(SRC), at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), has called for transformation,
transparency and more financial support for students who can’t afford tertiary education.

Speaking to Journalismiziko, SASCO’s chairperson at DUT Scelo Mndebele, said that the SRC is committed in ensuring that all demographics at the university are equally represented
in top management position.

“DUT is not transformed; all races must be equally represented in top management, because right now there is no transformation.  We have gone on mass demonstration before to show
our commitment about transformation,” said Mndebele.

“More financial support is also needed for financially deserving students, and they must not be judged of the lake of money. As SASCO we remain with the vision of promoting the
interests and needs of students,” added Mndebele.

However some students at the University feel like SASCO hasn’t done anything for them.

“They always make empty promises,” said Xolile Mkhwanazi, a financial accounting student.

Mkhwanazi said that SASCO makes too many promises to students but often fail to keep them.

“For me I think SASCO makes too many promises to students and they often fail to keep their promises. Their only aim is to be elected and get votes.  Sometimes they try but they end
up not keeping their word,” explained Mkhwanazi.

Ziyanda Tshutsha, a business administration student praised SASCO for having done a good job in promoting the needs of the students.

“SASCO does help. I remember this one time some students had no place to stay, and SASCO spoke on behalf of the students and we received residences. Even if you go to them,
they listen and help, to me they kept their promise,” said Tshutsha.

SASCO said that they know the issues that some students at the university, especially those who don’t stay at residence and not receiving transport allowances from National Student

Financial Aid (NSFAS) have.  They urged students to understand that their new process has not been implemented by NSFAS but will not stop them for fighting.

“Some of the students are not receiving transport allowances, and we as SASCO, we will never stop fighting for students,” said Mndebele.

While some students said that they will believe that, when they see change and will not believe every word they say.

Others said that change is happening but at a very slow pace.