A New Era Begins: UNIMA Swears in Student Representative Council

The University of Malawi marked a significant transition in student leadership as the newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC) members were officially sworn into office during a ceremonial event at the Mwambo Lecture Theatre on 08th November 2024. Over 50 students gathered in the lecture theatre to witness the swearing-in ceremony, presided over by the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Emmanuel Ngwira, who also served as the guest of honor.

The event was further graced by the Director of Student Affairs (DOSA), Dr. Jonas Mwatseteza, and continued with the swearing-in of President-elect Mr. Mendenge Chisi and all newly elected members, symbolizing the formal transfer of leadership from the outgoing president, Mr. Thanks Elia Mwalwanda.

In his remarks, Dr. Ngwira emphasized the responsibilities and expectations of student leadership, reminding the newly elected members that their role is to represent the voices of those who elected them and to uphold the university’s values and principles. Dr. Mwatseteza congratulated the newly selected SRC members, assuring them of his availability. “My office remains open to support your initiatives that promote student welfare and academic excellence,” he said. “Let’s work together to create an environment where every student can thrive.”

In his farewell address, outgoing SRC President Mr Thanks Elia Mwalwanda reflected on his tenure with a message centered on unity and collaborative leadership: “Success in student leadership is not about individual brilliance but the collective effort of a dedicated team,” he said. The newly sworn-in SRC President Chisi also delivered a speech, outlining his vision for the student body, which he described as “a new era” in UNIMA’s student governance.

The ceremony was attended by various university officials, including Ms. Roseby Makawa, the hostel warden, as well as outgoing student representatives and members of the university community, all gathered to witness this important milestone.