protests at the University of Johannesburg
10 October 2007
The Minister of Education, Mrs Naledi Pandor, has expressed grave concern at
the reports of violence associated with the student protests at the University
of Johannesburg. The Minister has also appealed to university leadership to pay
due regard to the economic hardship faced by many of the families that fund
student fees when considering fee increments.
"National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides valuable support,
but does not address all needs, universities must meet us halfway," Minister
Pandor said. Minister Pandor added, "While students and student organisations
have a democratic right to protest, this right should never prevent other
students from going about their normal university business or damage university
property." The Minister said it was important that the academic calendar,
especially the impending examinations, were not disrupted.
She has directed departmental officials to closely monitor any ongoing
protests at the University of Johannesburg and also to meet with the leadership
of the institution in order to assist in bringing about a speedy resolution of
the disputes. Minister Pandor also referred to her concern at the hardship that
confronts financial needy students if fee increases are not kept at reasonable
levels.
She repeated her call to Vice Chancellors and Councils that fee increases
should be kept to reasonable levels especially given the improved financing of
Higher Education that was a result of this year's budget. The Minister said she
was still hopeful that the internal university processes would resolve the
disputes.
In the Minister's 2006 budget speech she asked the Vice Chancellors of
universities to keep fee increases within inflation, given the increased
funding the institutions of higher learning now receive from the
government.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 312 5538
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: Ngqengelele.l@doe.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education
10 October 2007
