Protesters call for change at Rhodes

HUNDREDS of Rhodes University students, academics and workers united in protest yesterday, calling for the transformation and decolonisation of the university.

Vice-chancellor Sizwe Mabizela, in response, urged them to work together to address the issues surrounding transformation at the Grahamstown-based institution.

Mabizela accepted a joint memorandum demanding transformation and better wages, among other things.

Addressing the protesters gathered in front of the main administration building, Mabizela said that after 21 years of democracy transformation was non-negotiable.

“I have listened to all the demands and I agree that they need to be addressed soon, but they require collective wisdom from all of us,” he said.

Mabizela said he had met union leaders and raised concerns over workers who, in some cases, stayed in the same positions for up to 40 years.

“Rhodes must create opportunities for workers to develop themselves,” he said.

Long-serving Rhodes university cleaner Cynthia Yaka said: “I’ve been working for Rhodes since 1985 and I’m earning R7 500 a month. I wake up at 4.30am every day to start work by 6am and the workload is overwhelming.”

Bachelor of Arts student Londiwe Mntambo said: “We need to see change. We are tired of this colonial space.”

Historian and activist Dr Nomalanga Mkhize said they supported the initiative of the struggling workers.