Students should desist from destroying university property – Committee Chair
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology has called on university students to desist from damaging university property when they engage in protest actions.
Violent protests have occurred and brought the registration to a halt at the universities of KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape today. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Philly Mapulane said the reports of destruction of property at the University of KwaZulu Natal were concerning and needed urgent attention.
Mr Mapulane said: “Vandalism and burning of public property in pursuing demands by students have no place in our society and must be condemned. Students should understand that this property is meant to facilitate their own education and of future generations to come.”
“It is actually a selfish act that robs future generations of a valuable asset by the current generation simply because of its disagreements with the university management. We call on the law enforcement agencies to act without fear or favour to protect public properties," added Mr Mapulane.
The committee supports peaceful protests by students in pursuit of their genuine demands.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Sibongile Maputi
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
