Bloemfontein’s newly elected 2026/2027 SRC, alongside CUT’s executive leadership, during the official SRC Inauguration Ceremony. Front row, from left: Prof. Mogomme Masoga, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning; Dr Choice Makhetha, Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Bloemfontein Campus; SRC President Zintle Lungu; Prof. Samson Mashele, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Dr Sally Dzingwa, Institutional Registrar; Mkutukana Simphiwe, acting Chief Financial Officer; Dr Williams Titus, acting Dean of Students; and Dr Mbulelo Phetheni, acting Senior Director: Legal Services. Back row, far right: Mr Bophelo Sebe, Student Development Officer: Governance and Student Life back row right).

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has officially welcomed its 2026/2027 Student Representative Council (SRC) at both Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses, ushering in a new era of student leadership. The event served as both a celebration and an opportunity to officially introduce the student leaders who will represent and advocate for students during their term of office.

In his welcome address, acting Dean of Students, Dr Williams Titus, congratulated the incoming SRC and reminded them that leadership is rooted in service. “You have been chosen not for glory or titles, but to serve. You occupy a strategic position as a bridge between the students and the university. It is your responsibility to ensure that their voices are heard, and their welfare remains a priority.”

Prof. Mzikayise Binza, Welkom Campus Principal, challenged the newly inaugurated SRC members to lead with courage, humility, and discipline as they embark on their leadership journey. “Effective leadership requires the courage to speak up, the humility to listen to others, and the discipline to turn promises into action. Always remain responsive to students’ needs, listen attentively to their concerns, and translate commitments into meaningful action that positively impacts their lives.”

Dr Choice Makhetha, Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, congratulated the newly inaugurated SRC and urged them to embrace their new roles with power, courage, and respect. “Today you took an oath to lead, serve and promote the institution. This is the beginning of a powerful journey that will set you apart from many. You are not only leaders of your organisations; you now represent the interests and aspirations of all CUT students. So, in whatever you do, lead with integrity, accountability, and humility.”

She further called on the SRC to work as a united team, remain committed to their shared vision, and use their positions to create meaningful change. “Stay accountable to yourselves as a team and as individuals. Power is fragile and must be used with great sensitivity. When it comes to integrity, never compromise, because from this point on your integrity is your only currency.”

 In closing, she encouraged the student leaders to be agents of transformation who inspire hope, uphold respect, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

The newly elected Bloemfontein SRC President, Zintle Lungu, expressed her gratitude to the student body for placing their trust in the new leadership. She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to serving students with dedication, transparency, and accountability. “The students did not vote for us as individuals; they voted for us to serve, to take accountability, and to improve their livelihoods,” she said.

Zintle pledged that the SRC would be accessible, accountable, and student-centred, honouring their oath of office and advancing student interests. The inauguration concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as the 2026/2027 SRC committed itself to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and supportive student experience across the university.

Welkom Campus’s newly elected SRC alongside the campus executive leadership. Front row, seated, from left: Prof. Solomon Makola, Director: Institutional Renewal and Transformation in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal (third from left); Prof. Mzikayise Binza, Welkom Campus Principal; Ms Gloria Pule, Deputy Director: Student Affairs; and Dr Williams Titus, acting Dean of Students. Back row, from left: Mr Kabelo Mjone and Dr Tlale Mkhize Moretlo (centre).