Campaign for UNIMA SRC presidency reaches highlight with debate

Every year, students elect leaders into the Students Representative Council (SRC). The journey towards the elections tends to be characterized by colorful campaigns on campus, and at the apex of this journey is a debate in which presidential candidates spar by presenting the highlights of their manifestos. This year, a significant number of students across the five schools of the University of Malawi are vying for various positions in the upcoming Students Representative Council (SRC) elections. On November 13, 2023, the Electoral Commission of the Students Representative Council, in conjunction with the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), organized a debate for the two candidates contesting the presidential position in the upcoming SRC Elections, Mr Fedson Maneya (3rd year Bachelor of Social Science in Law Enforcement Management and Leadership) and Mr. Thanks Elia Mwalwanda (3rd year Bachelor of Arts – Humanities). The event was held in the Great Hall, which was filled with students.

In his remarks, the guest of honor, Dr. Michael Chasukwa from the Department of Politics and Government, explained the significant benefits of the debate for both aspiring candidates and students. He emphasized that the debate serves as a platform where the audience can assess which aspiring candidate has the best manifesto addressing the needs of the students. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of aspiring candidates receiving feedback from their audience during the debate.

The moderator, Mr. Raymond Siyaya Jnr, a producer at Chanco Radio and Television, began by posing a number of questions to Mr. Mwalwanda and Mr. Maneya. Some of the questions invited the candidates to speak on improving the welfare of financially less privileged students, and improving relations with the university administration, among other concerns.

When asked about the improvement of financial stability in the SRC, Mr. Mwalwanda stated that he plans to organize various fundraisers. These events will enable him to establish businesses and acquire a vehicle for entrepreneurial purposes. On the other hand, Mr. Maneya explained that his strategy involves introducing new sporting activities, such as car racing and boxing, as means of fundraising.

The audience was also given an opportunity to ask questions. Inquiries focused on how the aspiring candidates would address issues related to the student social welfare. Additionally, questions were raised regarding the candidates’ plans to ensure that financially disadvantaged students have access to loans from the Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB). Both candidates assured the students of their planned initiative to collaborate with the university’s Director of Students Affairs office and HESLGB as one way of ensuring that no student is excluded from student loans.

Speaking after the debate, Mr. Maneya pointed out that he was focused on the key issues faced by students on campus. He further emphasized his commitment to achieving a conducive living and learning environment for all students and promoting uniformity among first-year students by inspiring them with a vision of their potential.

His contender, Mr. Mwalwanda, expressed his commitment to redefining the future. With an aim towards creating a SRC that is responsive to the needs to of students, he highlighted several central pillars in his manifesto, such as resource mobilization for financially less privileged students and the enhancement of security both on and off-campus.

The students are expected to vote for their best candidates on 16th November 2023.