Student Parliament

The Student Parliament is the central democratic forum of the University of Cape Town’s student governance system. It represents the collective voice of the student body and operates independently, subject to the Constitution and its standing rules.

Comprising members of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and representatives from key student governance structures including academic, residence, societies, sports, development agencies, international students, and disability rights, the Parliament reflects the diversity of the student community.

As a forum for debate, engagement, and decision-making, it brings together these representatives to deliberate on issues affecting students and to ensure that student governance remains accountable, transparent, and aligned with the interests of the student body.

The Student Parliament plays a key oversight and accountability role within student governance. It is empowered to: 

• Hold the SRC and its sub-structures accountable;
• Require student governance bodies to report and make submissions before it;
• Appoint members of key governance structures, including the Student Governance Court, Dispute Resolution Management Committee and Constitutional Committee; and
• Take decisions that bind the SRC when adopted by a two-thirds majority of its full membership. 

Through these powers, the Student Parliament ensures that student leadership is exercised with integrity and in the best interests of all students.

The Student Parliament Management Committee (SPMC) is responsible for the coordination and effective functioning of the Student Parliament. It provides leadership in organising meetings, managing processes, and supporting the work of the Parliament. 

The SPMC consists of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Secretary, Convenor of the Student Parliament, and the SRC Secretary-General. Together, they ensure that the Parliament operates efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with its governing rules