Unam SRC congress elevates student voices into institutional action

The 2026 SRC congress executive meeting of the University of Namibia (Unam), held from 5 to 6 May in Swakopmund, brought together student leaders from 12 campuses in a unified effort deliberate on issues affecting the broader student body.

At the heart of the congress was a commitment to ensure that all students, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance, are adequately represented in decision-making processes. Through structured discussions and caucuses, campus representatives presented key concerns, which were then to be escalated to the congress executive for further deliberation and policy direction.

Speaking at the opening on Tuesday, Erongo governor Natalia //Goagoses emphasised the importance of the congress as more than just a leadership engagement. She described it as the highest decision-making body of student governance, where the voices of thousands of students converge into a unified agenda.

“This is not a mere leadership seminar or a networking retreat,” she said. “When you speak here, you are not speaking for yourselves but for the thousands of students you represent."

//Goagoses highlighted the inclusive nature of the congress, noting that it represents a wide spectrum of voices, including students from marginalised communities, students with disabilities, and individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. She stressed that this diversity is what gives the congress its strength and legitimacy.

Importantly, she pointed out that the outcomes of the congress would extend beyond discussion.

“Congress is where those voices are sent, and during and after this congress, those voices become policy,” she added. “The importance of this gathering cannot be overstated.”

The governor further called on the university’s institutional leadership, including the vice chancellor and academic authorities, to actively engage with student leaders. She emphasised that meaningful progress can only be achieved when student experiences are taken seriously and translated into institutional action.

“Students’ experiences must become institutional direction,” she said.

Iris Shimanda, SRC secretary general of the Unam main campus, led the congress alongside other congress executive members.

The team was tasked with ensuring that deliberations are productive, inclusive, and solution-driven.