Students will be the long-term losers in University chaos, while Nzimande once again is nowhere to be found
21 February 2016
The DA is concerned that while our Universities continue to be shaken by a seemingly unending stream of protests, vandalism and arson, Government is hiding behind the old excuse that a Commission of Inquiry is “looking into it”rather than making bold moves to bring calm and restore teaching, learning and research in these vital institutions.
Universities are crucial to our society and economy. We cannot compromise the future of young South Africans by damaging their chances of a good education – a gateway to employment for them, and a part of creating a growing economy more generally.
In the interest of the future of the students it is imperative for government to act expeditiously in order to bring renewed calm to the volatile situation on campuses. The DA supports peaceful protest action which should not be put at risk by rogue elements.
It is for that reason that Minister Gordhan, as he contemplates his budget, must be reminded that although the funding “fix” which the government offered Higher Education towards the end of last year as the #FeesMustFall protests raged, has relieved the situation for many students, the funding shortfalls in this sector are so huge and so long-standing that the very survival of our Universities is at stake. For it is fundamentally a lack of funding over many years that underlies 90% of these protests.