Importance of keeping UCT open for debate
The University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor, Dr Max Price, has expressed deep concern at the violence that has taken place at universities recently and addressed the importance of keeping UCT open for debate in the below message to the campus community.
Dear colleagues and students
I’m sure many of you share my deep concern over the violence that took place on some South African campuses the last two days. The reports on news and social media are deeply disturbing.
UCT has come in for its share of vandalism and violence. Most recently, this morning, groups of students threw poo across the floors of many lecture venues and open spaces in several buildings on Upper Campus. I wish to express my abhorrence at this action - which I know is shared strongly by the staff and students who had to navigate these spaces this morning, as well as the cleaning staff who removed the faeces. Not only is flinging poo around a dangerous health hazard; it is also an affront to our shared humanity.
As you well know, our university campuses have become theatres within which wider national political issues are being staged. Anger and rage are palpable, sometimes for good reason. And undoubtedly there are university-specific issues that still need our attention. It’s a volatile and difficult time all-round – which is why it is especially important to assert and defend as vigorously as we can what our universities stand for. I am writing to you now to ask each of you to consider the challenge that we all are facing, at the University of Cape Town and other universities, and how you will choose to respond.