With the SRC-election season upon us, it is time to meet the chosen candidates who have put themselves forward for consideration to represent the students of Stellenbosch University (SU). Among these students, 15 will be chosen based on a campus-wide vote.
Below are this year’s candidates, along with their mission statements for the upcoming term.
Iso Mtirara, Director of Marketing and Campaigns of the SRC, made the following statement, “The confirmation of candidates was undertaken strictly in accordance with the nomination eligibility requirements prescribed by the Student Constitution and the Electoral Commission’s election regulations. The Commission’s role was limited to assessing compliance with these provisions, thereby ensuring impartiality, transparency, and integrity in the process. We are confident that the upcoming election will reflect the diversity and strength of student leadership at Stellenbosch.”
Ndikhokele Mgcineni
“I’m Ndikhokele, running for SRC to ensure every student is heard, respected, and supported. My focus: equitable residence access, accessible university systems like funding and wellness, and better academic support. I aim for transparent, accountable leadership that listens, reasons, and acts, building a campus where all students can truly thrive.”
Culumanco Mangqo
“I aim to lead with care, championing excellence, compassion, accountability, respect, equity, and wellness. Through inclusive engagement, collaborative initiatives, and rights education, I strive to create a supportive, accessible campus culture where all students thrive, feel valued, and work together toward a just and uplifting Stellenbosch University community.”
Ofentse Ledwaba
“I stand for accessible education, equal opportunities, and a campus where every voice matters. My mission is to extend library hours, improve shuttle services, food insecurities, and strengthen student support systems. Together, we can create an institution where learning thrives, barriers fall, and every student reaches their full potential.”
Tsakane Mangayi
“I aim to build a sustainable student ecosystem — by students, for students — ensuring access to essentials like food, sanitary products, and mentorship. Together, we can strengthen our community, support each other, and create a foundation future SRCs can expand, so no student is left behind.”
Karabo Sharon Motsitsi
“My mission is to make the SRC a visible, approachable, and trustworthy student body by engaging consistently with students, listening actively, and advocating thoughtfully. I aim to help bridge the gap between students and decision-makers, foster inclusive spaces, and drive practical, sustainable actions that improve student life at Stellenbosch University.”
Michael Manzi
“An activist fights for a faction—a leader serves ALL. I chose leadership, even when it cost me my position. They spread lies, turned students against me, and cut my term short—but they couldn’t erase the work I did. Maties, real impact outlasts propaganda. I’m back to keep serving—for EVERY student.”
Sanelisiwe Tsawulwayo
“My mission is to represent and uplift every student by promoting transparency, inclusivity, and meaningful change. I aim to ensure that all voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and opportunities are created for growth. I am committed to building a supportive, united, and thriving campus community for all.”
Joshua Donald
“Fellow students, my priority is our safety. I propose an app for live security updates, and community groups to strengthen mental well-being. Accommodation, funding, and transport must be addressed to foster equality on and off campus. These issues require collaboration between us students and our SRC. No student left behind.”
Emilio Botes
“The current management is like sava flava pizza special. Does the job, but doesn’t accommodate everyone. Stellies face increasing problems that range from increasing traffic, #givingmaties shortfalls, spaces used for luxury developments instead of residences and more. To bring change both on and off campus, umthi ugotywa usemtsha, om dinge te verander, Vote Emilio Botes.”
Shila Chabalala
“I believe collaboration unlocks progress. Guided by the spirit of “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, I plan to work with other leadership bodies to improve the student experience. Together, we can turn hope into action, fostering a campus where every voice is heard, every dream finds space to grow, and meaningful change begins with action.”
Pulane Mtshali
“It’s time to speak less and do more. I am challenging and changing a deep-rooted problem in our country, one that we see reflected in our SRC… Poor service delivery. If we never see good governance from our leaders, we will never know good governance as a country. #ItGoesDeeperThanTheSRC”
Sinawo Sangovana
“My mission is to help build an SRC that listens, acts, and inspires. I will champion student wellness, fairness, transformation, mobility, and engagement, ensuring every voice is valued. Together, we can create a campus where students thrive academically, socially, and personally with leadership that delivers real, lasting change.”
Lihle Shabangu
“This is not about one voice; it is about all of ours. My mission is to lead with you, not above you. I am Lihle Shabangu, here to listen, learn from you, and work alongside you. Together, we can build a campus that reflects our values of equity, inclusion, and respect.”
Buhle Mpanza
“I aim to strengthen student engagement through clear, timely, and inclusive communication especially after listening to the critiques given to the outgoing SRC. Your feedback matters. Together, we’ll shape long-term plans that are guaranteed to truly work, uplift, and empower every Matie. This SRC should be built with you, not only for you.”
Ben Anderson
“We need to rebuild our SRC. For years, it’s been misused by pretentious political prima donnas as a soap box. We need an organised SRC that will build a better campus and be accountable for its mistakes. Stop the political posturing and empty statements. We need organised and effective governance.”
Asanda Vilakazi
“I am in pursuit of bringing back honesty into the networks of the system. You cannot foster equality for all, creating space, and embracing individuality without the fundamentals of consideration; that is one of the major purposes for all student leadership bodies.”
Lihle Baleka
“Leadership today demands more than just strategy; it calls for soul. It calls for purpose. When we lead with purpose, we align our vision not just with outcomes, but with meaning.
My advocacy sterns from empowerment, how it’s not about giving others power but unlocking what’s already within them. The unchangeable law of good authority is, with the privilege of power, comes the duty to serve.”
Johan Weideman
“My vision is:
· For a multilingual Stellenbosch Campus
· A Stellenbosch where students don’t move to Open Residence for A3 season
· A SRC that communicates to fellow leadership structures and students”
Revando Van Wyk
“Hello Stellenbosch. My goal is simple: an SRC that listens and delivers. I believe in honest leadership, clear communication and creating real change students can see. By voting for me, we can grow into a stronger, more connected Stellenbosch community that supports each other.”
By Inge van der Westhuizen
