The North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has, on behalf of the Provincial Government, condemned in the strongest possible terms the torching of the administration block and the computer laboratory at Mafikeng campus of the North-West University.
“Burning down an institution in a democratic state can never be equated to an act of struggle for transformation in tertiary institutions. This act must be exposed for what it is, an act of criminality,” disapproved Mahumapelo.
Last year, Premier Mahumapelo addressed students at Mahikeng campus and amongst others called on them to pursue non-violent forms of engagement with the University Management.
He also met the University management, who at the time sought to immediately close the campus, and impressed on them to consider issues of student safety and to further engage the student leadership.
“The Mafikeng campus of NWU is a beacon of hope for thousands of students from working class background. Its burning down represents a reversal of the many gains so far achieved in a democratic government.
“We call for calm and for investigations to immediately commence to get to the bottom of this destruction,” Mahumapelo said.
The Premier recognises that there are thousands of students who do not associate with this unfortunate incident and calls on them to cooperate with police in their investigations.
Enquiries:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 084 702 3775 / 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
