Student groups condemn violence

THE SOUTH African Students Congress (Sasco) in KwaZulu-Natal has pledged to work with police to arrest students who damaged University of KwaZulu-Natal property during protests this week.

Sasco chairperson Mqondisi Duma said the vandals were opportunists trying to smear the Sasco-led protests.

“We are happy that the people who burnt a car at Howard College were captured on CCTV cameras, and we will make sure they are brought to book.”

Police said no arrests were made and the situation was quiet yesterday.

Duma said the shutdown would continue until the NSFAS sorted out student accommodation payments.

He said students were angry with the NSFAS for failing to release funds in time for them to pay for accommodation and buy textbooks.

DA Student Organisation provincial spokesperson Siboniso Sibisi condemned the violence: “Every year violence costs students academically, and money that should benefit them is used to repair property they damage.”

EFF Student Command co-ordinator Sihle Dikaneng also condemned the violence, although his organisation was suspected of being behind the property damage at the UKZN.

Higher Education Minister Naledi Pandor warned that the action would result “in many not being able to finish their degrees on time, if ever”.

Acting premier Sihle Zikalala called for an urgent meeting with the stakeholders to find a solution.

NSFAS spokesperson Kagisho Mamabolo said the NSFAS and all institutions had “agreed on the payment date starting from February 8”.