In a ceremony defined by a commitment to ethical leadership and institutional stability, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) officially inaugurated its 2026 Student Representative Council (SRC) on Friday, 20 February.
Hosted at the Ubuntu Chambers on the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK), the event marked the formal induction of what has been hailed as the most successful and legitimate student leadership cohort in the university’s history.
“Lead with Heart”: Vice-Chancellor’s Charge to Future Leaders
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, set a high bar for the incoming council. Emphasizing that leadership is a “service, not a status,” he challenged the representatives to become the ethical blueprint for the country’s future.
“We can choose to act in an ethical or unethical way—choose integrity,” Prof Mpedi urged. “To lead others, you must first learn to lead yourselves. I urge you to become leaders who lead with heart and care.”
The Vice-Chancellor’s address served as a stern warning against the “commodity” of ill-discipline and corruption, reminding students that their tenure at UJ is the training ground for national decision-making roles.
A Landmark Election and a Fresh Start
Professor Bongani Ngqulunga, Senior Executive Director for University Relations, described the inauguration as “particularly sweet.” He noted that 2026 begins on a high note, following the resolution of several complex student matters from the previous year.
The 21st SRC was sworn in by Dr. Nell Ledwaba, Senior Director of Student Affairs, following an election period that saw record-breaking student participation and engagement.
Advocacy, Not Antagonism: The President’s Vision
Taking the podium, SRC President Mr. Lehumo Dibakoane delivered a powerful vision for his term. He positioned the council as a bridge between the student body and university management, rejecting the “rare commodity” of directionless leadership.
Key pillars of the 2026 SRC Agenda:
- Constructive Collaboration: Working with senior leadership to resolve pressing student issues without resorting to unnecessary conflict.
- Unified Advocacy: Standing with “one voice” to represent the legitimate needs of the student body.
- Institutional Sustainability: Ensuring that the university remains a refined and integral space for future generations.
“We are for advocacy, not antagonism,” Dibakoane stated. “This work is not for ourselves—we rise by bringing our students and people with us.”
