It's student elections time at the University of Johannesburg and we here at GEM decided to exercise our democratic right to vote. So with a black mark on our thumb and a spring in our step we arrived at the Kingsway campus to monitor the different parties campaign objectives and information booths. Taking the position of a first year with no prior knowledge of student politics or SRC structures we asked all the questions and summarised the good, the bad and the ugly about each party and their information representatives. Please note that the following is the interpretation and opinion of the reporter and is not meant to demean or destroy anyones political ambitions. We simply play it as we see it.

　

South African Students Congress (SASCO)

Currently running the University's Student Reprentative Council. They have controlled the SRC for 3 Years

What they want you to believe: They are a non- affiliated political bodies that puts students needs first. Their successes justify another year at the top.

Hits:Many success's both promoted by themselves and by those not affiliated with the party translate to a tired but active and proven organisation.

Misses: If the old adage of "first impressions last" was carried into student politics SASCO would not be running the SRC never mind exist as a body. No real information, missing party constitution, Hubbly on the table and no active canvassing equals

to a deep disrespect to the purposes they claim to have.

Also dodged the question of affiliation with the ANCYL with inaudible rambling.

Democratic Alliance Student Organisation



Only 8 months old, the student wing of the larger national Democratic Alliance is made up of mostly disgruntled members of SASCO and ANCYL.

What they want you to believe: The need for a student parliament that would solve issues more effectively.

Hits: Good organisation and proffessional layout. There were a number of people canvassing for the party and a professional information stand

Misses:

Seem to have no real ambitions besides forming a student parliment. When asked how often this parliment would meet one responded: "once to twice a month", another: "quarterly".

Not willing to offer a party constitution when asked and not willing to discuss how they would improve SRC if they were in power.

ANC Youth League

A breakaway of SASCO. This is the first election they are running by themselves.

What they want you to believe: They are a non-affiliated party interested about student's rights.

Hits: Professionally referred me to a party member that could most relate to me and to the questions I had. Also went out of their way to offer me a party constitution. Offered advice even if I was not willing to join their organisation.

Misses: Bantered and wore clothing supporting the national ANC Youth League but distanced itself from them when asked about its link.

In conclusion, having 3 main bodies contesting student politics at the University of Johannesburg can only be good for students and democracy as a whole and may cause pressing student issues to be resolved quicker and with more efficency. As to the question on who to vote for?.... No clue.

What has been your experiences of the SRC elections? What have you done to decide on who to join? Is there a place for national politics in a student elections?

Let us know your thoughts below.