Despite the country’s universities committing to using debt relief mechanisms to assist academically deserving students to register, students at some campuses said that they would be continuing with their protests next week.
Protesting students are calling for free higher education.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande met with management at universities this week to discuss, among other issues, funding and debt challenges.
There appears to be no end in sight to student protests at some universities over the funding crisis facing the country’s institutions of higher learning, an issue that crops up every year.
Wits University SRC’s Mpendulo Mfeka reiterated that they were not backing down until their demands were met.
“So, the plan going into next week will be around the notion and idea of human rights and the idea to the right to protest freely.”
Meanwhile, Unisa SRC’s Amokelani Ngwenya said that a meeting with management earlier on Friday failed and they had resolved to return to the streets come Monday.
“We are continuing to shut down all our campuses until management responds in a positive way.”
Nzimande has been at the helm of the sector for over a decade and students are now beginning to question his leadership, claiming that he had failed to effectively deal with the funding crisis.
-EWN
In other news – Sad moments: Inside actor Menzi Ngubane’s memorial service
It was an afternoon filled with emotionally-charged tributes as those close to the late Menzi Ngubane gathered at the Assemblies Of God Sandton Church on Thursday for a memorial service fit for acting royalty.
Actors Thapelo Mokoena and Ayanda Borotho were the MCs of the day and began the programme with a moment of silence in Menzi’s honour. Learn More
