27 May 2021

The Francistown Institute of Health Sciences (IHSF) has a new Student Representative Council (SRC).

 The new SRC president is Mr Fungai Mafhoko, deputised by Mr Linos Mbingwa.

Giving a keynote address at the inauguration of the 2021/2022 council, Tonota College of Education (TCE), Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Cornelius Macheng explained that government recognised statutory SRC structures in all learning institutions.  

He said SRCs were conduits or channels of communication between management and the students, as well as a unit that unites all institutional stakeholders. 

He therefore appealed to the new council to walk its talk, implement and fulfil its promises and also provide efficient support services even though resources were limited. 

Mr Macheng also appealed to the new council to familiarise itself with the rules and regulations of the council in order to lead by example. 

He said SRCs were designed to hone students’ leadership skills and that most of the leaders this country cherishes have been honed by the SRC. 

He said student leadership across the globe was all about influencing others and that as the new administration, they should divorce themselves from confrontation. 

In her welcome remarks, the Principal, Ms Batshola Motswagole thanked the outgoing leadership for the cordial relationship with management, which she said facilitated learning and encouraged the incoming one to follow suit.

Ms Motswagole said the institution was committed to providing a good foundation for learners that includes professionalism.

She explained that there was a serious shortage of resources in the institution and encouraged the new administration to ensure that the student community persevered under such circumstances, as well as to conduct itself in an acceptable manner that promotes professionalism. 

Outgoing president, Mr Lame Morupisi said the outbreak of COVID-19 derailed his council’s plans to implement its strategies, but he was hopeful that the new administration would continue where his left off. 

Mr Morupisi also stated that he hoped that the new council would work cordially with the management for the success of the institution. 

He advised the new leadership to implement its plans, adding ‘truly believe in yourselves and have a stand so that you are bold in your leadership and always dream things that are good and use your creativity’. 

Incoming president, Mr Mafhoko pledged a cordial relationship with management, adding that SRC members were more like servants to best serve the interests of the students.

Giving a vote of thanks, Deputy Principal, Ms Tiny Noke thanked the outgoing council for having traversed the COVID-19 terrain, to ensure the student community’s safety. She disclosed that without the SRC, management could not achieve its goals and appealed to the new administration to adjust quickly to make ends meet with the little resources the institution had. 

The ministerial portfolios include: Defence and Security, Finance, Student Academic and Welfare, Information and Propaganda, Sports and Recreation, amongst others. Ends