University of Stellenbosch judges students who celebrate heritage at the expense of the EFF

3 March 2016

The University of Stellenbosch today spoke out against students who were invited by AfriForum Youth to congregate at the J.H. Marais statue at 12:00 today for a peaceful commemorative action. The University was of the opinion that these students posed a risk of violence because the EFF is protesting at the University today. 

According to Marcus Pawson, AfriForum Youth’s Spokesperson, one should look to history to understand why violence by parties such as the EFF should be taken seriously. “It may start with the burning of books, art and statues, but people will soon follow.”

“How do students who have peaceful conversations and commemorate, incite violence? It is true that the EFF threatened to burn the statue, but we are here today to peacefully celebrate the heritage of the campus,” Pawson explained. 

Pawson said that the University’s Management was busy dividing the groups on campus through its prejudiced actions. An example was when Management previously only watched while the EFF and Open Stellenbosch damaged the same statue without taking action against them.

“The University undertook to have enough security and police available on campus to protect heritage treasures such as the statue. We will therefore continue with our commemoration while monitoring the situation.”

Statement issued by Marcus Pawson, Spokesperson, AfriForum Youth, 3 March 2016