ANC KZN slams the burning of property during students' protest
6 September 2016
The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal wishes to registers it deepest concerns at the deteriorating situation at University of Zululand and University of KwaZulu-Natal which has resulted to the suspension of academic programme.
The burning of UKZN buildings, in its three campuses, is condemned in the strongest possible terms. In early hours of today, senate building and six vehicles in Westville campus, were set alight allegedly by the students.
There is shocked at this utter act of vandalism which is totally abhorrent, destructive and beyond any justification whatsoever.
In all these instances, the ANC holds a strong view that the route of negotiations and constructive engagement could have produced better results instead of the destructive act of vandalism.
In this regard, the ANC holds a strong view that there should be consequences for this kind of destructive behavior at our institution of higher learning. Those charged with the task of law enforcement should ensure that those responsible for this act of thuggery are immediately brought to law.
“We call on the governance, university management and student structures to isolate those responsible for burning of UKZN buildings and subject them to the relevant disciplinary and prosecution processes. Arson is in criminal act and should be addressed as such,” said ANC Provincial Secretary Cde Super Zuma.
He further urged the union representing workers at the University of Zululand to engage with the management to find an amicable solution and to ensure that the academic programme continues.
“These buildings that are destroyed belong to our nation as a whole to advance the aspiration contained in the Freedom Charter on the need to open the doors of learning to all. As the ANC, we call on both universities’ internal stakeholders to urgently have a dialogue and have clear resolution to outstanding issues,” said Cde Zuma.
The ANC, as the leader of the society, will also engage directly with different stakeholders for both institutions with a view to finding a lasting solution in ensuring that our universities are protected.
“It is in our collective interest to ensure that learning and teaching returns to normality as soon as possible at both institutions. This is more pressing given that the critical period of year as final examinations are approaching. The ANC remains available to all parties seeking a resolution to the present crisis at our universities.”
Issued by Mdumiseni Ntuli, ANC Provincial Spokesperson, 6 September 2016
