Either as a norm or a rule around the SRC elections period, the University of Limpopo (UL)’s student centre would usually be a hive of activity with students bursting into struggle songs, motorbikes roaring, and a constant call of Amandla.
However, there will be massive changes to the political activities this year as all of UL’s SRC general elections proceedings move online.
The elections are set to take place electronically on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, between 07:30 and 23:00, with 21 643 students from the Faculties of Health Sciences, Humanities, Management and Law, and Science and Agriculture, expected to cast their votes online.
Per the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act No 4 of 2013), Kwano’s Services and Developments, who have been appointed as External Electoral Scrutineers (EES), has taken all reasonable measures to protect the personal information of students as per the provisions of the UL SRC Constitution. As such, the voters’ roll has been published on the university’s website.
According to Melusi Nxumalo, UL’s Director of Student Life, Governance and Development, voting is a crucial means of making your voice heard and engaging in the electoral arena, and voting has become easier with everything done online.
“Students are not required to register, but they are advised to update their cell phone numbers on the ITS system to receive updates and information about the UL SRC elections 2021,” explained Nxumalo.
The guidelines for updating cell phone numbers on the ITS system can be accessed here (step -by-step-guideline).
According to Chief Electoral Officer of Kwano’s Services and Developments, Sivuyile Watani, to vote, an eligible voter must utilise a student number and follow security clearance procedures.
“Voting will take place electronically. A link will be provided on the university website that will direct students to the voting system,” he stated, adding that the candidate list would be publicised on the website and that political formation campaigns would take place online.
According to the timetable for the 2021/2022 SRC and Faculty Council Elections announced by the appointed EES, candidate nominations commenced on Monday, September 27 at 11h00 and will conclude on Tuesday, September 28 at 17h00, leading to EES screening of nominees.
On Wednesday, September 29 at 10h00, the EES will publish the Preliminary Candidates’ List and open for objections through an online notice on the university’s website.
“Following that, the objection period for candidates concludes on September 30, and the Screening Mass Meeting date, as well as the final list of candidates, will be published,” Watani added.
Students should then look out for the publication of the voting platform, voting hours, and the minimum percentage required to meet the threshold on 4 October at 10h00 through online notice. According to Watani, elections are not held based on individual candidates but rather based on party contestation. The contesting parties will present their manifestos during the Screening Mass Meeting, which will be held electronically on October, 5 at 17:00.
For more information. Students should click here
By Moses Moreroa