ANCYL Statement on the situation in the University of KwaZulu Natal
The African National Congress Youth League in KwaZulu Natal has noted the recent developments at one of the institutions of higher learning in the province, the University of KwaZulu Natal where students have embarked on a protest march expressing their disapproval of university actions.
The Youth League condemns in the strongest possible terms the decision taken by the institution seeking to close what is known as the Registration Appeals Committee (RAC) process. This process allows students owing the institution to enter into an agreement with the institution to pay their debts in instalments whilst continuing with their studies. We view this decision as counter revolutionary and equate it to a systematic killing of the future of those who are not able to pay these exorbitant fees. This action is aimed at the systemic exclusion of an African child in general and a black child in particular.
The PEC congratulates branches of the ANCYL in these campuses together with those of our alliance partners the South African Students Congress (SASCO) and the Young Communist Leagues of South Africa (YCLSA) for having taken up action against this evil decision. We furthure call upon those campuses who are yet to join this action to immediately do so in response to the clarion call made by the ANCYL at its recent 25th National Congress, that of free education until completion of a first undergraduate qualification.
We call upon the institution to reverse this decision immediately and failure to do so will invite the full wrath of the Young Lions of Oliver Tambo who once said “a country that does not invest in its youth, does not deserve its future”.
The PEC supports the legitimate concerns raised by the students. We however condemn any actions aimed at destruction of property and vandalism. The Youth League calls upon students not to reserve the gains of our hard earned democracy by destroying the very infrastructure brought to them by the government of the African National Congress. We task our branches to be at the forefront of this guided student protest together with our allies.
“Education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children” – Freedom Charter
Issued by Thnduxolo Sabelo, ANCYL KZN Provincial Secretary, 14 September 2015
