UFS Riots: ANC leadership must rein in SASCO and the Youth League

The political violence that has erupted on the University of the Free State (UFS) Campus must be condemned in the strongest possible terms (see The New Age report). We call on the ANC Leadership, including the national Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Blade Nzimande to do so without delay.

We need to cultivate an environment of learning and political tolerance on our campuses. Our future leaders should be at the forefront of redress and reconciliation, instead of division and destruction.

If the ANC Youth League and the South African Students Congress (SASCO) have a problem with any aspect of the university's administration, they are free to take up their concerns through the relevant channels. There can never be a justification for violence, intimidation and vandalism of university property.

SRC elections are an important part of campus life. Not only are SRC's an integral part of university governance, they are a proving ground for future political leaders. SRC election campaigns should take place in a manner that adds to the development of a democratic culture and be of value to the academic and social development of students as free thinkers and future leaders.

Statement issued by Dr. Junita Kloppers-Lourens, MP, DA Shadow Minister of Higher Education and Training, August 18 2011

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