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UFS student leader Martin Nyaka elected to national SAUS leadership role

08 September 2025 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Lunga Luthuli

Martin Nyaka, Secretary General of the 2024-2025 Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) and Policy and Transformation Officer (CSRC) on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), has been elected as Second Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of the South African Union of Students (SAUS).

Nyaka was elected during the first leg of the SAUS conference, held in Gqeberha from 10-13 July 2025. His election is historic, as this is the first time the union has appointed a second DSG. In his new role, he joins the National Executive Council (NEC) alongside the SAUS President, Deputy President, Secretary General, Treasurer-General, and the First DSG.

“It is a great honour for me to have represented the University of the Free State at this important platform, and I remain deeply grateful for the support and assistance I received from the institution throughout this journey,” said Nyaka. He will serve in this role until the next election in 2028.

Anticipated impact

Nyaka explained that his decision to stand for election was influenced by challenges he and his SRC colleagues encountered when addressing certain student-related issues. He noted that some concerns, such as those linked with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), can only be resolved at a national level.

“This position places us in a better position to assist students and to ensure that our students are funded,” he said.

In addition to his role as Second DSG, Nyaka also chairs the SAUS Monitoring and Evaluation portfolio, which oversees several sub-committees within the organisation.

Lessons from leadership

As his SRC term draws to a close, Nyaka reflected on the lessons he will carry into this new role.

“Previously, as student leaders our mindset was very radical, and if ever things would not go our way, we would take to the streets,” he explained. “However, over this last term, the SRC resolved matters and reached agreements with management without protest. An important lesson I take with me is that radicalism is not always the answer. In an organisation like SAUS, we need to sit down and have discussions with stakeholders when there is a deadlock.”

Nyaka emphasised that what excites him most about the opportunity is the chance to work alongside student-leaders from across the country who are equally committed to making a meaningful impact.

News Archive

RAG resilience shines despite rain

2017-02-07

Winning float for 2017: Armentum, Vergeet-My-Nie,
and Emily
Photo: Lelanie de Wet

Although the 75th RAG festivities were challenged by ominous weather, in true Kovsie spirit students and organisers still made a gleaming success of the day.

Students help to create sunny feeling
On 6 February 2017, the annual float-building activities culminated in the handing over of schoolbags to 150 learners from schools in and around Bloemfontein. This took place at the Rag Farm on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free (UFS), since the morning procession to Twin City Mall in Heidedal had to be cancelled due to bad weather.

“It is of course a huge disappointment to all of us that the events had to be cancelled, but we are grateful for the rain,” said Karen Scheepers, Head of Kovsie Rag Community Service and Assistant Director: Student Affairs.

The evening KFC Rag procession took place as planned, with students having the option of taking part despite the weather. Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Music Festival had to be cancelled.

“The very important actors of today are our students who have worked long hours to build the floats and who have worked together to make this rainy day on the outside feel sunny inside,” said Prof Francis Petersen, incoming UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, when he addressed the crowd at the Rag Farm. Prof Petersen will take up office on 1 April 2017.

Armentum, Vergeet-My-Nie, and Emily take honours
Armentum, Vergeet-My-Nie, and Emily Hobhouse were the overall winners of the 2017 Rag float-building. “It was worth the hard work. Always remember to ask for advice during float-building,” said Pieter Kotze, RC Rag of Armentum residence on the Bloemfontein Campus. “I also want to thank both the RC Rag from Vergeet-My-Nie and Emily Hobhouse.”

The float theme was Proudly South African, and the winning float encapsulated it with local flavours such as Chappies, a Rooibos tea box and a Lion matchsticks box. They also went the extra mile by incorporating each hostel’s logo within a Chappie design.

The Central Rag Committee would like to thank all their sponsors who made the events possible. The Rag Coronation Ball will take place on 17 February 2017, where the new Rag Queen and Mr Rag will be crowned.

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