Our Policies
Students for Change aims to develop well researched, creative solutions to the problems that students face. As indicated below, these are progressive policies focused on five key areas and provide a detailed blueprint for how Universities and high schools can bring about real change. We intend to publish our final drafts after our Conversation with the Nation campaign in July.
Furthermore, Students for Change will also release a number of less detailed policy statements on issues that are relevant to students, but beyond our immediate scope of influence. These areas include but are not limited to land reform, South African foreign policy, African identity, international trade and national macro-economic policy. Ultimately, our broad strategy is to establish a consensus positioned at the centre of South African society: a political ideology that reconciles growth with equality and opportunity, allowing all South Africans to contribute towards building a Rainbow Nation.
FINANCING TREATMENT AND REDUCING TRANSMISSION – A POLICY ON AIDS
Our policy consists of three main pillars. Firstly, we will research dynamic methods of financing the drugs required to keep HIV positive students healthy and active. This program will be modeled closely on the work done at universities in India where HIV+ students gain free access to life saving medication as part of their enrolment. Secondly, we will work to increase the availability of free condoms and free HIV testing facilities on South African campuses. Finally, we will improve our ties with non-profit organisations including LoveLife and the TAC to ensure that the stigma associated with AIDS – especially at the high schools where we are active – is reduced.
BRIDGING THE GAP – A POLICY FOR GETTING PROMISING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO THRIVE AT UNIVERSITY
This program begins with identifying talented high school learners in Grades 10, 11 and Matric and assisting families with the administrative burden of applying for University. We will look to get sponsorship for application fees as well as providing a forum through which confused and intimidated students can seek answers. Additionally, we will also establish a network of details for bursaries and scholarships that needy students may apply for and will assist them with their applications. Finally, Students for Change members who are elected to Faculty Councils in September will work to establish quality mentorship systems in their respective student bodies.
FIGHTING FOR AN EDUCATION – A POLICY FOR IMPROVING STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
If elected to the SRC, Students for Change members will apply pressure on the administration and government to increase funding for student aid. We expect our greatest priority to be the promotion of efficiency in the distribution of student aid. Furthermore, we hope to establish a directory through which students can apply for bursaries and other financial aid. Through working with banks and other financial institutions, we will publish a step by step approach for applying for a student loan and will provide a forum through which banks can advertise their products to students. Ultimately, we hope to make the process of attaining financial aid simpler, more accessible and more streamlined for students.
GREENING OUR WORLD – A SOUTH AFRICAN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Students for Change has developed a 25 point plan which provides extensive details on how a University can reduce its carbon footprint. By focusing on five key sectors of operations – utilities, printing services, dining services, transportation and grounds – the organisation has found a number of dynamic ways in which UCT can improve on its power usage and other effects. These methods are partly inspired by the system established so successfully at campuses across New Jersey in the US, but have been specifically adapted to South African conditions and our particular University.
NO TOLERANCE – A POLICY THAT GETS TOUGH ON CRIME
Students for Change will work to develop a policy which advocates a zero tolerance approach to crime, especially in residences. We will push for the implementation of surveillance cameras and more efficient policing of areas that are crucial to student safety. Key to this approach will be research done on successful policies implemented in other universities that are affected by crime, including those in Brazil, the UK and India.