Zuziwe Mtshali, a 20-year-old Diploma in Marketing student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), has begun her term as the Student Representative Council (SRC) Academic Officer, outlining a vision focused on bolstering academic support and improving communication between students and faculty.
Mtshali, originally from Ofafa Location in Ixopo, brings a history of leadership experience to the role, having served as a class representative and discipline monitor during her secondary education at Little Flower Combined School. Her election to the SRC reflects a commitment to service and academic excellence, according to a recent university announcement.
As Academic Officer, Mtshali intends to prioritize strengthening academic support systems for students. She specifically highlighted the need for structured platforms for student feedback and quicker response times to academic inquiries. “I would like to see improved turnaround times on academic queries, clearer communication from departments, a huge increase in the throughput of the institution and stronger collaboration between the SRC and academic units,” she stated.
Mtshali’s focus extends to addressing the challenges students face with the transition to online learning, particularly first-year students. She described assisting students with navigating online platforms like Microsoft Teams and Moodle, and connecting them with resources to overcome connectivity issues. “Many students struggle with understanding how online platforms work, and I ensure they receive guidance, so they do not fall behind academically,” she explained.
The DUT SRC has recently emphasized collaboration with support units to enhance student leadership and academic performance, a move that aligns with Mtshali’s stated goals. This collaborative approach aims to create a more supportive learning environment for all students.
Mtshali identified accountability as a core value guiding her leadership. “I believe leadership means taking responsibility, being transparent and responding promptly to student concerns. Students place their trust in us to represent them, and I carry that responsibility with integrity,” she said.
Mtshali encouraged students to prioritize discipline and resilience in their academic pursuits, particularly within the context of online learning. She urged students to proactively seek assist and utilize available institutional resources when facing challenges.
