Outgoing Wits SRC president Shaeera Kalla responds to Destiny cover outcry

Former SRC leader Shaeera Kalla has dismissed debates about why her successor, Nompendulo Mkatshwa appeared on the cover of Destiny as the face of the #feesmustfall movement.

Kalla came into leadership after Mcebo Dlamini was removed.

Kalla took to Twitter to address the ongoing debate about Mkatshwa's Destiny's cover which officially launched her as the face of the #feesmustfall student protests and movement.

She wrote: "It's deeply saddening how ppl will now fight about recognition, who was there through it all & who wasn't. Who cares?The struggle continues!"

It's deeply saddening how ppl will now fight about recognition, who was there through it all & who wasn't. Who cares?The struggle continues!

— Shaeera Kalla #Oct14 (@shaeera_k) November 15, 2015

Since Mkatshwa was revealed as the cover of Destiny's December issue, questions about why Kalla was not included have surfaced. In the Destiny article, Mkatshwa explains how the #feesmustfall movement came about, saying it was Kalla's idea.

The research assistant says after a Wits meeting with the council to discuss increase in fees for 2016, Kalla was disappointed that the SRC was outvoted.

"When we left that council meeting, we were both very angry. Shaeera was like, 'Lets protest. Do you think the comrades will be fine with that? 'I said: 'Shaeera, just tell them.' So we called a meeting and that was that. Students said 'yes' to the protest and now we find ourselves having played an influential role in a national protest."

On the inclusion of Mkatshwa, Ndalo Media founder, Khanyi Dlhomo wrote in her editor's note: "It's strong and controversial stuff, but whatever your views, Nompendulo Mkatshwa, the woman co-heading the #FessMustFall student movement... can't be ignored."

Kalla and Mkatshwa are close, with Mkatshwa commenting she feels she will have her predecessor in her life for a long time. On Kalla's Instagram page, she shared a snap of the two and captioned it: "We do not allow our leaders to be dictated to us, in the PYA we sit through robust meetings, the one that delivered this SRC lasted for 12 hours. We debate, we discuss, we challenge and we strategise.

"Hence we deliver leaders who are tried and tested, who prove they can stand firm in the harshest conditions, who will work hard no matter what personal issues may arise, who put students first no matter what the cost, and who will serve students with every fibre of their being. I am immensely honoured to hand over this responsibility to you, President Nompendulo Mkatshwa."

She also expressed her support and confidence for Mkatshwa, proving there is no bad blood between them:"As we join the league of formers, we trust fully in the decision made by members of the Progressive Youth Alliance entrusting Cde Nompendulo Mkatshwa to lead us as President of the Wits SRC. Matla!"

Despite Kalla voicing her opinion on the cover, social media users have continued to slam Mkatshwa and Destiny. The majority of the response however has been positive.

Nompendulo on a magazine cover for me is not about her personal merits; it's about young black women being recognized and I'm here for it.

— Sadie Torquato (@SadieWiggles) November 16, 2015

I have not heard of a single intelligent argument why Nompendulo doesn't deserve to be on the cover of Destiny nor any other magazine.

— ANC Curator: Lwazi (@CurateANCvoter) November 16, 2015

Outrage aside, we should be proud of Nompendulo. The Destiny cover is great recognition, surely a lot of youngsters will be inspired.

— ..::: Menzi :::.. (@MrMenziN) November 15, 2015