Stop this destruction

ONE of the students involved in unrest at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s campus in Pietermaritzburg told of nightly planning meetings at different spots, where inflicting damage was discussed – “strategic destruction and not random, barbaric destruction”.

Strategic destruction? This, from someone of higher learning who might hold a position of responsibility one day, was an insult to intelligence.

It sought to legitimise criminality, almost romanticise it, and give the impression that thought went into each act of arson.

No strategist worth the title would have set fire to the William O’Brien Hall in the dead of night on Wednesday. It is an exam facility, and a third or more of its roof was burned off, the building extensively damaged by heat, smoke and water.

Describing such an act as strategic destruction is plain contradiction.

There is no verdict yet on whether the fire on Monday at the cafeteria at UKZN’s Howard College was also deliberate. But the applause of some as they watched it burn was appalling.

The Heher commission of inquiry into university fees heard from KZN institutions this week, the unrest probably timed for it. UKZN and others were warning of the consequences of no fee increases next year, noting that their institutions would be severely weakened.

Added bills for repairing buildings that are there for the well-being and future of South Africa only deepen the balance sheet crisis.

We await the government’s decision. The violence while we wait, and threats of much more, amount to thuggery and are no contribution to the debate.

But the government should note the impatience of students. Promises of free education are overdue, so prompt responses and innovative solutions are needed.

The students have a cause, but violence betrays it. If only a fraction are responsible, they should be easier to isolate and bring to book.