OPINIONISTA: The vexed question of political party involvement in student politics

programme, focusing on the question of whether our higher education institutions should be de-politicised. The programme, which was part of’s series hosted by various socio-political commentators and influencers, tackled various topical and controversial issues, and provided a space – albeit limited – for critical public discourse.

While the point is made by the proponents of this idea that this is not an argument about getting rid of student politics in university campuses, there is an inevitable sub-text that speaks precisely to that.

On the eve of the event, at about 6.30pm, I received a call from the SRC president-elect, informing me that he urgently wanted to speak to me. As I was still in the office, I invited him to come over. To my utter shock and dismay, he informed me that the planned inauguration that was scheduled to take place in less than 24 hours should be cancelled. This, notwithstanding that a lot of time, energy and money had gone into organising this event.

There are numerous student leaders coming from student political formations, who have played constructive roles in universities’ student governance and leadership, at times under immense pressure from the external mother body.

It is equally true that there have been many instances where student leaders – informed by the views of a small segment of the student population, primarily influenced by some political posturing – have acted against the views of the majority of students. Instead of insisting, for example, that certain thresholds should be reached for the legitimation of student leadership following SRC elections, we should spend more time and effort conscientising the student body about the role played by the SRC in critical institutional matters and decisions that affect their lives as students, and the future and reputation of the institution from which they are destined to be future alumni.

Over the years, various institutions have experimented with a number of variations through the amendments of SRC constitutions – such as having both individual candidates and student political structure candidates being allowed to contest SRC elections, or having students who stand as individuals, but are supported by a student political organisation.

Over the years, various institutions have experimented with a number of variations through the amendments of SRC constitutions – such as having both individual candidates and student political structure candidates being allowed to contest SRC elections, or having students who stand as individuals, but are supported by a student political organisation.

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