Student Development
Learn about the how you can get involved in a community or leadership.
Welcome to Student Development: Cultivating Leaders, Enriching Communities
At the Department of Student Affairs, we believe holistic growth and involvement are key to academic success. Student Development, divided into Student Life & Governance and Sport & Recreation, foster leadership and inclusive opportunities.
Student Governance Overview
Join a Society or Development Agency for your Passion
Explore and become a member of diverse student societies and organisations.
Engage in Student Governance & Leadership Iniatives
Learn about the structure of student governance at UCT, including how to participate.
Join a Sports Club for Achievement or Fun Fitness
Discover the variety of sport clubs at UCT, learn how to join, and view activities.
About Student Development
Cultivating Leadership and Community Engagement
Dive into the heart of student engagement at UCT with our Student Development cluster. This division is dedicated to nurturing student leadership, supporting effective student governance, and providing a diverse range of sports and societies programmes.
Empowering Student Leadership
Enhancing Community Connections
Supporting Personal Growth
Student-Led Councils
Join a Society
There are more than 100 student societies and organisations at UCT reflecting a wide range of interests, including academic, religious, cultural, social and political activities.
- Student-Led: Societies at UCT are run by students for students, with annual events and leadership elections at the AGM.
- Funding Structure: Societies receive financial support from both the university and membership subscription fees.
- Beyond Academics: Participating in societies enhances the university experience by offering community engagement and skills development.
Join a Sports Club
The university boasts almost 40 sports clubs with a total membership of over 9 000 students and staff. The more traditional sports are all well catered for, but you also have the option of more exciting individual pursuits such as archery, hiking, mountaineering and more.
- Wide-Ranging Programmes: UCT competes regionally and nationally, offering everything from recreational to elite sports.
- Active Development and Inclusion: Student-led initiatives broaden community participation and enhance campus diversity.
- Elite Coaching and Premier Facilities: Top coaches welcome all skill levels, with access to outstanding facilities and water sports equipment.
Student Orientation, Leadership & Governance
Student Governance
At the heart of UCT’s vibrant student community, the Student Development cluster provides essential support to empower and shape tomorrow’s leaders. Through dynamic partnerships with student representatives and stakeholders, this division enhances your leadership journey with hands-on programmes and initiatives.
Engage in activities like elections, leadership training, and strategic planning sessions, and take advantage of prestigious scholarships such as the Student Leadership Awards Programme.
Quick Links:
Student Governance Model> | Student Representative Council> | SRC Elections>
Leading Student Governance at UCT
The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is the pinnacle of student governance at the University of Cape Town. As the highest decision-making body, the SRC comprises of 15 elected student members who represent their peers under the guidelines of the Higher Education Act and Statute of the University of Cape Town. The council’s term runs from November 1 to October 31 annually, during which they assist and guide students, initiate student centred events and play a pivotal role in university committees.
Location and Accessibility
Located in the Steve Biko Students’ Union Building on Upper Campus, the SRC offices are a central hub for student governance.The SRC is currently operating and they remain accessible for support and enquiries. Students can contact the Student Governance Assistant, Ms. Zola Tame, at 021 650 3537 for telephonic enquiries.
Annual Elections and Current Members
The SRC members are elected in a campus-wide election and serve a one-year term, actively shaping student experiences and university policies. The current council’s term began on November 1, 2023, and will conclude on October 31, 2024, continuing a tradition of student-led advocacy and leadership at UCT.
Role of Student Faculty Councils
Each faculty at UCT has both an undergraduate and postgraduate Student Faculty Council, elected annually by registered students who have completed at least one semester within their faculty. These councils are composed of dedicated student representatives who serve as the voice of their peers within the faculty.
Connecting Students, Academics, and Staff
Student Faculty Councils form a crucial link between students, academics, and staff members. They represent their student body on various faculty committees and structures, such as the Faculty Board and the Dean’s Advisory Committee, ensuring that student interests are well-represented in decision-making processes.
Supporting Student Interests and Initiatives
Beyond academic representation, Student Faculty Councils coordinate class and departmental representatives, foster environments that promote academic excellence, and lead initiatives focused on transformation, safety, wellness, and social responsiveness within their faculties.
The Student Parliament of the University of Cape Town is an assembly of all the student structures at the university. It serves as an advisory body to the SRC on policy matters, but decisions taken by a two thirds majority of Student Parliament are binding on the SRC. It keeps the SRC and its substructures accountable, transparent and rooted in the principles and values that are enshrined in the SRC constitution. The meetings of the Student Parliament are open to all registered students of the university to observe and participate without voting rights. Its affairs are managed by the Student Parliament Management Committee.
Student Parliament Management Committee (SPMC)
| Members | ||
| Speaker | Siphesande Mabangula | Speaker.sparliament@uct.ac.za |
| Deputy Speaker | Hope Mahlakwane | Dep-Speaker.sparliament@uct.ac.za |
| Convenor | Boitshepo Mphahlele | convenor.sparliament@uct.ac.za |
| Leader of SRC Business | Babokile Rakhale | srcsg@uct.ac.za |
| Secretary | Ayabulela Nkwakwa | srcdsg@uct.ac.za |
Overview of the Constitutional Committee
The Constitutional Committee is a key body within student governance at the University of Cape Town. With its mandate drawn from Chapter 9 of the SRC Constitution, the Committee plays a vital role in approving and amending the constitutions of student structures before these are submitted to the relevant student structures or University committees for final approval.
Responsibilities and Functions
The Committee is responsible for:
- Reviewing and approving the standing rules of all sub-councils.
- Ensuring that student constitutions align with the SRC Constitution’s values and principles.
- Providing pro-forma constitutions to guide student governing structures.
- Offering interpretations on all student governance legislation, especially when the legislation is unclear or in cases of dispute.
Commitment to Student Rights and Democratic Governance
Devoted to serving student interests, the Constitutional Committee is guided by the principles outlined in the SRC Constitution’s preamble. Its mission is to uphold open, transparent, and democratic leadership within student governance, respecting the rule of law, promoting consensus-based decision-making, and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of students at UCT.
For enquiries, the Constitutional Committee can be reached at constitutionalcommittee@uct.ac.za.
Overview of the Student Governance Court (SGC)
The UCT Student Governance Court (SGC) is an independent body consisting of five students. It presides over disciplinary matters concerning student structures and members of student governance who are alleged to have breached student governance legislation.
Goals of the Student Governance Court
- To promote accountability and transparency amongst Student Leaders.
- To ensure that the values, ethos, and organisational culture of the University are upheld in its student organisations.
- To administer fairness and ethics in student leadership.
- To serve as a check and balance within the UCT student governance structure.
- To provide a self-centred platform for accountability and transparency in student governance.
Commitment to Ethical and Fair Governance
The Student Governance Court is dedicated to the interests of both the student body and the University as a whole. Its vision is to maintain ethical, moral, open, accountable, and responsive student governance. As the highest disciplinary body run by students at UCT, the SGC handles complaints regarding student structures or members, conducting hearings with procedural fairness.
The Student Governance Court can be reached at studentgovernancecourt@uct.ac.za.
Fitness Centres
Stay active and healthy at UCT with two distinct fitness facilities designed to cater to every member of the university community. Whether you choose the conveniently located UCT Gym or the advanced Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA) Wellness and Fitness Centre, you'll find comprehensive fitness solutions tailored to your needs.
UCT Gym
Located in the heart of the lower campus near Graça Machel Hall, the UCT Gym is the perfect spot for students and staff seeking a convenient and comprehensive fitness solution.
Sport Science Institute
The Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA) Wellness and Fitness Centre stands as a beacon of health and fitness innovation, located conveniently for the UCT community.
UCT Radio: Your 24/7 Campus Connection
Streaming live from Upper Campus, UCT Radio brings you the voice of the University of Cape Town. Run by students, we reflect the diversity and energy of campus life with cross-genre music, local talent, thought-provoking talk, and the latest news, weather, and traffic updates.
Our audience? Aspirational youth driven to succeed and reinvest in their communities. We connect with UCT students, local high schoolers, tertiary students, and young professionals seeking an alternative to mainstream radio.
Follow our journey on Instagram and Twitter @uctradio.
Listen live at uct.ac.za/radio/live-stream or download our app from the Playstore or Appstore.
Student Development FAQs
Answers to common questions about leadership, student governance, and more.
We offer a variety of programmes, including leadership workshops, career preparation training, personal development seminars, and mentorship opportunities, all designed to support your growth both academically and professionally.
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UCT hosts various student councils and societies, such as the Health Sciences Council and Science Students' Council. These organisations provide platforms for leadership, academic support, and community outreach.
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Through UCT Radio, you can acquire hands-on training in studio skills, including presenting, news reading, and production. This platform is open to new members eager to develop these skills.
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Many UCT councils and organisations, like the Health Sciences Council, welcome students across different academic backgrounds to participate, fostering an inclusive community for shared interests and development.
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Yes, UCT encourages community engagement, offering programmes that allow you to work on social impact projects, volunteer initiatives, and collaborative partnerships that benefit local communities.
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UCT offers leadership development through training sessions, workshops, and student-led organisations, focusing on building skills such as project management, public speaking, and team leadership.
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Student Development consists of two primary subdivisions: Student Orientation, Leadership & Governance, and Student Sport & Recreation, each offering tailored programmes for student enrichment.
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The cluster provides proactive support and capacity-building for the Student Representative Council (SRC), Student Parliament, and faculty councils, reinforcing co-operative governance and promoting collaboration between student leaders and university management.
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Frameworks & Protocols
Key Student Policies and Guidelines
Explore essential student policies and guidelines covering funding, mental health, housing, and governance.
