UCT SRC: Eight EFF members elected – as Jesse Griesel gets ‘most votes’

The provisional results for the University of Cape Town’s Student Representative Council (UCT SRC) have been confirmed this week, with eight of the 15 successful nominees coming from the EFF. From the set of Red Berets, Jesse Griesel – a white candidate who has earned some high-profile support – earned the most votes.

EFF’s white candidate storms home in UCT SRC vote

Griesel came second overall, finishing behind independent candidate Tebogo Mabusela. The top 15 nominees will now be given the chance to represent their universities and their parties, but technically speaking, it’s not over yet.

The results are provisional. That means objections can be filed against any winning candidate, but must be submitted before midday on Tuesday 12 October. Barring something extraordinary, the EFF’s white nominee Jesse Griesel will make history when she assumes her role on the SRC.

Please have a look at the Provisional Results of the 2021 SRC elections. Objections must be sent to edwina.brooks@uct.ac.za before 12pm on Tuesday, 12 October 2021. pic.twitter.com/r7nhJqdLRp

— UCT SRC & Faculty Council Elections (@UCTSRCElections) October 11, 2021

UCT SRC to have ‘majority of Red Berets’

Griesel acknowledged the provisional results on her social media, posting a brief message of gratitude:

“Thanks for voting, you’ve got an extremely enthusiastic set of incomings!”

While still a rarity, white EFF candidates do receive a heightened amount of attention – but Griesel has taken it all in her stride, and hasn’t been afraid to call out ‘media bias’ for elevating white voices above others. She also branded John Steenhuisen a ‘mediocre white man’ last week, lapping up both plaudits and criticism for her views.

Kumkani Goqoza, Siya Plaatjie, Abicha Tshiamala, Mila Zibi, Sandile Monoane, Yanganani Sibeko, and Phila Phakathi have also secured UCT nominations on behalf of the EFF, and will form a council with seven other independents.

Needing over 25% of students to vote in order to be recognised as a legitimate election, the turnout of 27.7% just about met the requirement. Pending a review of written objections and candidate reports, the future is red for UCT.