Vaal University of Technology held elections for the Student Representative Council (SRC) for 2015/2016 at their Secunda campus.
Mr Theledi Sebolelo, presiding officer during the elections and deployed by the Independent Electoral Commission, said his duties were to ensure that the elections were free and fair.
The elections were between candidates from two parties, the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) and the South African Student Congress (Sasco).
Though the competition was tough, the two critical positions of the chairman and the secretary were not contested.
The EFFSC raised issues of sabotage by the previous SRC body which was allegedly only occupied by Sasco members for not contesting the chairperson and the secretary positions.
“We did not have the material to campaign and it demoralised our members,” said Mr Maqué Makwela, secretary of the EFFSC.
He also accused the previous SRC committee of not providing enough information.
“They sabotaged us deliberately, but though we got our campaigning material two days before the elections, we still contested for other seats” said Mr Makwela.
The two seats which are not contested will automatically be occupied by Sasco members.
Mr Mpho Mahlangu, chairman Sasco, said they would have liked to compete for the two uncontested positions.
“At least they were honest to mention that they do not have the capacity to lead the students.
“We understand, because they are still growing but the allegations of sabotage are not true, because you do not need T-Shirts to convince people to vote for them,” said Mr Mhlangu.
It is alleged that both parties ordered their merchandise in May, but Sasco received theirs in September and the EFFSC two days before the elections in October.
Despite their campaigns, the EFFSC and Sasco said they have one thing in common, which is the desire to serve the students, not a political party.
Both students organisations said they are in solidarity with the students from other universities who are fighting for the zero increase in student fees.
“We want free education and also plead with the companies in our municipality to extend their hands and help those students who cannot afford the tuition fees,” said students from both parties.
“I wish the companies can help more students, because we are their resources and when we complete our studies, we will go and work for them,” said Mr Mhlangu.
The outcome of the elections was not known at time of going to press.
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