The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande is disturbed by the disruption of classes and chaotic scenes witnessed at the University of Witwatersrand on Monday, 10 October 2016.
The university’s attempts to continue with the academic programme are being held at ransom by irresponsible and disrespectful striking students who intent upon disrupting classes at the university.
“This is a critical time for the academic programme with examinations fast approaching, therefore it is of paramount importance for classes and lectures to resume without delay. We strongly condemn the actions of a few striking students who clearly don’t want to see the completion of the 2016 academic programme. They continue to disrupt and intimidate students who want to continue with their studies” says Minister Nzimande.
The Minister and the department calls on the university management to do everything in their power to ensure that the academic programme is successfully resumed.
“We support all efforts to get the academic programme underway. I have been in discussions with a number of stakeholders who adopted the multi stakeholder declaration on the 3rd of October and called for the universities to reopen and for learning to continue. Therefore, the non striking students cannot be held at ransom by a few striking students who don’t want to learn” further said Minister Nzimande.
The law enforcement agencies will continue to act and the law must take its course against those who have been found to have committed any crimes. There has been intimidation and destruction of property including violence which will not be tolerated. We call upon students not to allow any form of manipulation which may be intended to undermine their legitimate demands.
The Minister and the department continues to make the call to parents, vice chancellors, members of council, traditional and religious leaders, trade unions and business leaders, student leaders including convocations and alumni, working with the department, to be part of the solution and play their role.
Minister Nzimande says “Access to higher education, particularly for the poor is everyone’s concern and therefore all stakeholders must play an active role in saving our 2016 academic programme. We believe ongoing negotiations cannot stand in the way of classes resuming immediately. Dialogue is the only answer and intimidation and violence will never address the legitimate concerns of students.”
The Minister and department appreciates the efforts of several stakeholders who have genuinely been working tirelessly to try find innovative ways to resolve these challenges.
Enquiries:
Harold Maloka
Cell: 082 847 9799
