The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training would like to condemn the violent protests by angry students around the country with the strongest possible terms.
The Committee has been closely monitoring the situation at Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban, and University of Limpopo`s Medunsa campus with the view that student representatives, university management and other parties involved in the negotiations will find a rapid and amicable solution.
According to the Committee Chairperson, Mrs Yvonne Phosa, these continued violent demonstrations and acts of intimidation cannot go on unabated; hence they escalated their concerns to the Ministry of Higher Education and Training to intervene as a matter of urgency in order to find a long-lasting solution.
“Much as we fully understand the students’ frustrations, we equally condemn any form of anarchy which tends to undermine the gains of our democracy through the destruction of the property and illegal means. We continue to support access to higher education and training by all, including the rich and poor. However, that must come with responsibility,” said Mrs Phosa.
It has been reported that students set a car and the main gate alight at Medunsa campus (in Ga-Rankuwa) this week, while the women's residence at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban was allegedly set alight on Thursday.
Enquiries or to set up an interview with the Chairperson:
Mr Foster Mohale
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 2239
Cell: 072 4323 792
Email: fmohale@parliament.gov.za
