End of Semester Statement

Greetings colleagues.

We trust that this statement finds you in the epitome of health holistically.

This serves as our end of semester communique on programmes we have put into effect and the current state of our campus.

As an organization, one that prides itself in being students’ first friend on campus, we seek to address issues faced within our campus, working hand in hand with other clubs & societies and the MCRC to make our campus a better place for all. As we conclude the semester, it is important that we reflect on the first half of the year before moving on to the next. Highlighted in this statement, are some of our biggest issues and programmes we have executed.

Registration

On our first week of the academic year, the MCRC convened a student body meeting, where a decision to stay away from academics was taken. The promise to reschedule all lost academic time was made. We supported this stance, as it was for the benefit of students not yet registered and those facing financial exclusion. However, we cannot help but point out the possibility that with proper planning, execution and negotiation, the stay away would have yielded better results and subsequently the extension of our academic calendar to make up for the week we lost. Not only did we not get our academic week back, but the MCRC did not report the outcomes of the registration process. They had promised to release a statement regarding the number of students that were financially excluded but they did not do that. However, it would be very political of us to only criticize and not build up, thus we thank the MCRC for trying all means available to ensure that no one is left behind.

Academics

Furthermore, a spreadsheet from the Internal Medicine department was released with carry over students’ results. Clearly stipulated on that document was a pass rate below 50%, something that is unheard of in our campus. One would have expected the MCRC to intervene or at least release a statement on this. This not only affects the students involved, but leaves us to wonder, if the teaching & learning method employed is up to standard. If not, then how do we then look to change and improve the curriculum for better results. We call upon the MCRC to look at trends shown by Internal Medicine results this year, so as to identify an issue, should one exist.

Residences

Residences have always presented with multiple issues over the years and this year was no exception. We applaud the acquisition of Bethel Gardens and Sihambasodwa residences. The acquisition of Congella court is however questionable considering that the MCRC has access to the information regarding the movement of students from the residence in 2019. That leads us to question if the issues that lead to the release of the res have been sorted and what informed the decision to acquire the res was.

We made a visit to the Louis Botha residences after receiving multiple complaints on the pest infestation in the residence. We were able to hand out pesticides, as a temporary solution until the mid-year fumigation took place. The results of this res visit have led us to believe that it is indeed the little things we all do that betters the lives of those around us.

We have come to know that roof renovations are about to take place at the Louis Botha residence. As a result of these renovations, 41 students had to be moved and temporarily placed in other residences. This leads us to question when the damages to the roof occur and why these renovations were not properly planned for. Since the process is set to take place over a period of four months, overlapping into the second semester, student had to be moved hapazardly. It is common knowledge that once you get to SCM, you are afforded you own space. Those placed at Tafta will have to share living space again. All 41 of these students will have to re-adapt to new living conditions. We question how this decision came about and if anyone thought of the students who will still be residing in that residence while renovations take place. Will it be possible to study in these conditions for those who are to remain at LB? Will the Wi-Fi and pest problems that have persisted since the beginning of the year also be taken care of, as they seem to be in a haste to better the state of the residence. May the MCRC answer to this.

Tenetech Direct Payments

The introduction of NSFAS-Tenetech partnership was not only abrupt but also brought a lot of confusion among students. Starting off with a complicated registration process, to constant systems shutdown, we can’t help but question the integrity of this new venture. Furthermore, an article of corruption around this new method of issuing allowances was released. Do we then continue to trust the process blindly, not knowing what the consequences will be?

How then is it that our leadership encourages us to register for while there is so much uncertainty. We have received various reports of ‘systems errors’ and not so long ago we were clearly instructed by the SRC not to register on the website as it was fraudulent activity. We are also appalled by the amount of charges that come with using the Tenetech system to make transactions. The monthly charges amount to R12, immediate payment costs R20 and EFT charges are R4.03, these are nowhere near being student friendly!! The old payment system did not present with such issues, why change it now?

We note the MCRC’s stance on categorically rejecting the implementation of this. However, we would like to know how they plan on handling this issue and possibly getting rid of it as it arises with so many complications.

We would like an explanation to help us understand the reasoning behind the introduction of this new system as well as the benefits it comes with. So far, it has proven to bring more problems and disadvantages than advantages. It is not enough for the MCRC to tell us that they categorically reject this system, but we propose that the MCRC puts the process on hold as it seems to have caused more harm than good.

Meal-a-day Program

We would like to commend CHASU (Campus Clinic and HIV/AIDS Support Unit) for the introduction of such an initiative in UKZN, working together with the SRCE. It is a step in the right direction towards taking care of student’s needs. Understanding that CHASU's Peer Educators and the SRC are but a team of limited people and cannot do all preparations of meals by themselves, we would like to encourage all student leaders to offer a helping hand to keep this initiative going forward next semester.

Sports Medicine Shadowing

During the month of May, we had the first of our sports medicine shadowing programmes, which sought to harken interests in pursuing sports medicine as a specialty. We would like to appreciate the amount of support and interest shown by students towards this initiative. It is because of that very dedication shown by you, that we are continuously trying to put together more opportunities for all medical students. It is with great honour to also announce that we have a 10-day shadowing program set to take place in July. We are yet to release more details on our website.

SASCO Link-Tree and Website

It has been our pleasure to introduce the SASCO link tree and website. The link tree contains academic resources for all classes from 1st year to 6th year! Whereas the website contains forums that allow for engagement to raise social and political consciousness in our campus. It also contains information about SASCO as an organization and as well as SASCO in medical school. We encourage you use these platforms to help better our campus as well as to interact with other students.

Dignity Program

Every year, we as an organization re-launch our sanitary pad and clothing drive, giving out pads and clothes to those in need. Through donations made by students last year, we were able to officially and for the first time launch our lab coats drive; collecting lab coats from seniors to give out to LMMS students. Collectively, we named these three initiatives the Dignity Program. The program has been in action 19th of May and shall continue operating till end of year. We would like to encourage anyone who might be in need to reach out to us so as to get assistance.

Over the year, the sustainability of these programmes has depended mainly on donations made by comrades, students, and alumni, thus we would like to urge everyone who is able to, to keep donating towards the program.

Now is the time to come together and be the change we want to see, one sanitary pad; one garment; one lab coat at a time.

Conclusion

Having not been officially recognised has made it rather problematic to serve the medical school populace to the best of our ability. It is unfortunate that even the process of appeals has been prolonged to this extent. However, we shall continue serving to the best of our ability, going above and beyond for all students. We then hope that the next semester will be better for us all and we will thus bring more programs forward. We urge all students to come together to stand against the injustices that lurk in the midst of our campus. Victory can only be found in unity.

Students first, SASCO to the front.