Third-year law student Rose Msomi was elated when she heard she had been chosen for this year's student representative council at the University of Pretoria.
But her joy turned to shock when, on August 31, the day she was to be inaugurated, she was told she had to step down.
The reason: she is black.
Msomi is one of four students who were pulled from the SRC because there were too many black people and men.Left discouraged
She said the department of student affairs had not been willing to properly engage with the students and had failed to inform the student body of the situation.
"They had this attitude of 'Shame, try again next year'," she said, adding that the situation had left her discouraged.
The SRC consists of 12 positions voted for by the students and seven elected by the sub-councils, which are academic affairs, residence, sport, rag and student culture.
Of the 12 elected representatives, the DA student organisation, Daso, won 10 and the EFF two. None of these 12 posts were affected.
Tele said the problem was the lack of white students standing for leadership positions.
"It's a general wake-up call for students to take ownership. The SRC should reflect participation," she said. She remains optimistic.
Difficult position
"This experience has shown me it's not about being a leader. I'm not defined by a blazer or traditions," said Tele.
Rodink said the university could have prevented placing both sides in a difficult position, but that they had made peace and just wanted to move forward.
"I did run for the position as chairperson, so I do feel capable enough," she said.
Peters said he had wanted to be on the SRC for a long time...