Minister Blade Nzimande condemns instances of arson and vandalism at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and University of the Western Cape

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande strongly condemns reported incidents of violent disruptions, arson, vandalism and students’ intimidation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the University of the Western Cape.

“Government cannot and will not tolerate the threat to lives and destruction of property and requests the university management to tighten up security in all the university campus in order to ensure the safety of all students and workers,” said Minister Nzimande.

The Minister said arson, vandalism and intimidation will never justify or cannot be associated with any legitimate forms of protest and should be condemned unequivocally by all, including by student leaders themselves.

Minister Nzimande appealed to both the universities to work with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of these criminal acts are exposed and necessary disciplinary actions are taken against all students who are involved in this crime.

In order to resolved genuine students concerns, the Department of Higher Education and Training together with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have been consulting both the universities stakeholders including the Student Representative Council to resolve the impasse.

Minister Nzimande appeals for calm and for all the stakeholders to continue to participate in the consultation processes.

The Minister will be awaiting a full report from both the consultations processes and a way forward.

Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi
Cell: 066 037 8859

Issued by

Share this page

Similar categories to explore