During the inauguration of the 2025-2026 SRC on 30 September 2025 at the University’s Student Centre, the incoming SRC President, Mdumiseni Chonco, first thanked the student that voted for them, and said that the leading opportunity was not for them, the leadership, but also for all. Four student political formations contested the election – the Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command, who got six seats; the South African Student Congress, who obtained three seats; the South African Democratic Student Movement; Mkhonto Wesizwe Student Movement; and eight independent candidates, of who two earned one seat each. There are 11 seats that are contested in the MUT SRC election.
Chonco appealed to the MUT leadership to work with them in resolving “crises” such as student accommodation, the defunding of students, and other systemic challenges that he defined as “lived experiences that undermine the very future of our beloved institution. We refuse to accept this as normal.”
Chonco also requested MUT management to work with them in dealing with the following issues: transport and timetable issues, saying that “my first task in office will be to urgently convene a meeting with all relevant stakeholders to address students’ transport. We must ensure that bus drivers safely transport our fellow students to and from their residences. At the same time, we, as students, must have an honest family conversation about bus schedules and times”.
Other issues that Chonco said should be given attention included academic, financial, and allowances. The new SRC President applauded the MUT management for the improvement in infrastructure and appealed to the MUT leadership to provide bursaries for students who excel in sports.
Chonco, an Advanced Diploma in Accounting student, committed that “today, as your SRC President, I pledge to each and every student of MUT, regardless of political affiliation, background, or origin, that you are my number one priority until the last day of my term. I will serve with integrity, with respect, and with unwavering commitment”.
The VC and Principal stated that they would consider the issues raised by the incoming SRC President, Mdumiseni Chonco. She warned that the new SRC President will be tested. If there is a broken window, I will look for the SRC.
Professor Sibiya is again committed to continuing to give leadership lessons to the SRC. She asked the Dean of Students to arrange for her to meet with the SRC and discuss the plans for the next 12 months.
The 2025-2026 SRC portfolios are as follows: the President is Chonco; the Deputy President is Luyanda Dlamini, an Information Technology student. Minenhle Luthuli, a student of Public Finance and Accounting, serves as the Secretary General. Cebo Mteshane is the Deputy Secretary General. Mteshane is a Public Management student. Banele Nkwanyana, a Marketing student, will be responsible for the purse strings. A Human Resources Management student, Simphiwe Khumalo, will be a Faculties Officer, while Zolani Mbatha, a Mechanical Engineering student, will be responsible for residences. Nqobani Mdluli, an Environmental Health Officer, will be a Sport Officer. Onela Mnguni has been given the Media and Publicity portfolio. Mnguni is a Civil Engineering student. Another Mechanical Engineering student, Snethemba Zungu, will serve as the Religious, Art, and Culture Officer. The Health and Welfare Officer portfolio will go to Balungile Thungo, a Marketing student.
The incoming SRC also took an oath that they would uphold integrity; advocate unity; promote excellence; represent all voices; lead with accountability; defend students’ rights; commit to service; and also to adhere to the MUT Code of Conduct, among others.