SANCOR Newsletter Issue #169: March 2002

 

Murky or phytoplanktous waters, greener pastures, whichever way, my time to bow out is come; and finally this time. Student representation to the SANCOR Steering Committee was the first in my office. My brief was clear from the portfolio and there were challenges. The term was initially meant for a year’s period but later extended to two for reasons of grasping the workings of the committee. Communication with fellow students continues to be effortful particularly in matters of discussion. The student list server is still available to access and suited for the very dynamic turnover of the student community. New students are encouraged to visit it and subscribe. Subscription thereto also helps the representative to compile an e-mail contact list for reaching fellows directly; so please do subscribe. I must also add that one is also free to unsubscribe at will and with ease.

 

The quietness that I have been afforded by fellows during my term of office was indicative of two things, either there were no issues that were felt necessary for raising with the Steering Committee or that there was apathy. One had difficulty rocking the boat for the sake of rousing some discussion. What I am saying is that I had little work to do on behalf of students in the SSC. The workshops and symposia that were held by students in KwaZulu –Natal and the Western Cape was indicative of preparedness of some students to get together, network and discuss their work. Well done to those who contributed and more in of that nature is expected in the future. Fellows in the Eastern Cape however, could not meet despite calls made to this effect. In fact only those from the University of Port Elizabeth expressed interest. The result was that a similar meeting could not be viable. The failure of meeting in the Eastern Cape remains disturbing especially that lately students seem to take longer to complete their projects.

 

I would like to repeat my invitation of nominations, one from each of the various institutions in preparation for election of a student representative following my term of office. Nominations should be forwarded to the Secretariat of SANCOR: Ms Pavs Pillay (ppillay@mcm.wcape.gov.za). Elections shall take place at SAMSS, Swakopmund in June/July 2002.

Ntobeko Bacela

Outgoing Student Representative

SANCOR Steering Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Bacelo for his loyal and dedicated services as the student representative - he will be missed. But good luck in all your future endeavours.