ANCYL Statement on WSU closure

The ANCYL is perturbed by the on-going crisis and the recent closure of the Walter Sisulu University by the appointed University administrator. The failure of the Department of Higher Education, as well as the university management to resolve the salary dispute that is currently in the labour court, has a detrimental effect on the future of the students in WSU.

There has been no learning and teaching for over three months now which means effectively, no academic activity has taken place in the second semester of 2013. This injurious calamity doesn't bode well for the future of students as the second trimester also involves preparations for the year-end examinations.

WSU like many historically disadvantaged universities, even post mergers have been plunged in a permanent state of paralysis and crises most being ran by university administrators. There seems to be no development plan for their growth and sustainability that is forthcoming from the DHET.

Even with two new universities being built without the concurrent development and sustainability of historically disadvantaged universities, their impact won't be felt in the system. Futures of thousands of black students are lingering as a result and this is unacceptable in the democratic dispensation.

The ANCYL calls upon the all the interested parties to speedily resolve the dispute as it's not in the best interest of the students.

Statement issued by Dr Bandile Masuku, ANCYL National Spokesperson, August 28 2013

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