increasing of higher education fees in the interest of nation-building
12 October 2007
The South African Human Rights Commission wishes to express its concern at
the recent protests and demonstrations at some higher education institutions in
the past few days which were apparently caused by imminent fee increases. It is
reported that during the protests some students are alleged to have vandalised
university property, while the police are alleged to have used excessive force
in trying to restore public order.
In this regard, the Commission would like to appeal to university leadership
to pay due regard to the economic hardship faced by many of the families and to
keep fee increases to a minimum as the Education Minister, Naledi Pandor has
proposed.
We would therefore, like to appeal to them to take into account the fact
that our Constitution further provides that everyone has a right to further
education, which the State, through reasonable measures, must make
progressively available and so that can have an adequate skilled labour force
that can positively participate in the developmental programmes of our
country.
The Commission also recognises that while it is integral to the functioning
of our young democracy that everyone's right to demonstrate, assemble, picket
and present petitions should be respected, it should however, always be borne
in mind that inherent in this right, is the respect for the rule of law, and
the rights of others.
The Constitution also requires that the right be exercised in a peaceful
manner and without carrying of weapons. Violence, the destruction of property
and the threat to human life cannot be justified, irrespective of the
circumstances. At the same time, while we recognise the role and the need for
effective law enforcement, the measures taken by the security agencies must
also conform to the principle of legality and be proportional in the
circumstances. We appeal to all to always exercise restraint.
Vincent Moaga
SAHRC Spokesperson
Tel: 011 484 8300
Cell: 073 562 9866
Fax: 011 643 6472
E-mail: vmoaga@sahrc.org.za
Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission
12 October 2007
