In Setswana, we say “Se sa feleng se a tlhola!”. Loosely translated, the saying states that there is an end to everything. Therefore, this is my farewell message to the SPU community and a brief reflection on the academic year 2020.

Thank you to everyone who supported me when I assumed office to serve as the first female SRC President. I finished the term because I had people who showed up when I did not have the strength to carry on. 2020 taught me the importance of creating and sustaining safe spaces for each other.

My mother loves singing Bill Withers’ song Lean On Me and that has been my overall theme for this year: lean on me, when you are not strong. It was also evident in the work that the SRC did in collaboration with other stakeholders because we wanted our students to get through the year.

To my family, friends, the SPU and wider Kimberley community, I am because you are!