A NEW ERA BEGINS SWEARING IN THE NEW UNIMA SRC

On 23rd November, 2023 Students gathered in the Chikowi Lecture Theatre to witness the swearing-in of the president-elect, Mr Thanks Elia Mwalwanda, and the entire Student Representative Council. On that day, Vice Chancellor Professor Samson Sajidu delegated the Executive Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr Emmanuel Ngwira, to oversee the swearing-in of the new leadership. Among those present at the ceremony were the Director of Student Affair (DOSA), Dr. Jonas Mwatseteza, and the Acting Assistant Registrar (Students and Welfare), Mrs. Eluby Kafumbata.

Dr. Mwatseteza opened the ceremony by addressing the attendees. He congratulated all those who were elected to the new Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and acknowledged the courage displayed by those who contested but did not make it. Additionally, he commended the Electoral Commission and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) for overseeing a splendid aspirant presidential debate and ensuring integrity in the elections. Dr. Mwatseteza advised the new SRC to foster a positive working relationship between the SRC and the office of the DOSA for the betterment of students. He expressed gratitude to the outgoing SRC for their outstanding work and excellent relationship enjoyed with his office. Furthermore, he emphasized his expectation for the new SRC to approach their responsibilities in a new and unique way.

After swearing in the new SRC President, Dr. Emmanuel Ngwira addressed the group. He emphasized the significance of the ceremony and congratulated the incoming SRC for their courage in taking on the responsibility of leading the students. Dr. Ngwira also commended the outgoing SRC for their demonstrated excellence in leadership. He further emphasized that the success of the SRC would depend on the cordial relationship between the university management and the SRC.

Dr. Ngwira advised Mr. Mwalwanda to thoroughly understand the rules and regulations governing the University of Malawi.  He stated that leadership is a shared responsibility, urging them to work as a team and to communicate clearly and honestly with both management and their fellow students. He concluded by urging them to balance their leadership responsibilities with their academic studies.

Mr. Elia Thanks Mwalwanda expressed gratitude to the outgoing SRC for their unwavering commitment in serving the students and the community. He assured the students of his dedication to creating an inclusive environment and enhancing the student experience through various initiatives. This includes advocating for resources to support students’ mental health and well-being. Mr. Mwalwanda acknowledged the importance of establishing a good relationship between the SRC and the administration.

He encouraged students to freely reach out to him with any ideas or concerns for the University. Lastly, he advised his fellow leaders to work as a team and concluded by expressing gratitude to all students for entrusting him with the significant responsibility to serve them.

During the ceremony, all those who made it into the SRC were led by Dr. Ngwira as they took their oaths. Students were filled with joy witnessing their elected leaders assume the responsibility of serving them.