DA condemns Wits vandalism

5 April 2016

The DA condemns violent protests and vandalism on campuses. This runs counter to the principles of democracy and undermines the rights of other students wishing to continue their studies. 

This comes after protesting students yesterday set alight seats in a Wits lecture hall, causing extensive damage. The students claimed to be fighting against the suspension of students who have been excluded due to not paying their fees. The violence represents populist action by a minority group and undermines the legitimate struggle by South African students. 

The DA supports the right of all groups to protest when there are legitimate complaints. We also recognise the funding shortfall for students wishing to attain tertiary education. However, as our history has shown, violence is never the answer to the complex socio-political issues being brought into the public sphere. 

This is a time in which peaceful and enduring solutions should be promoted to the myriad of issues experienced on campuses across South Africa. We therefore call on students, and student bodies mobilising protestors, to uphold the democratic principles of peaceful protest and reconciliation.  

Issued by Yusuf Cassim, DASO Leader, 5 April 2016