Why destroy your own resources?
WHAT motivates students embarking on strike action for whatever reasons, to destroy and burn property that is an important resource in their educational journey?
Acts such as burning of libraries, school buildings and university buildings by students are tantamount to an affirmation that we do not care about education.
Spontaneous acts of destruction like breaking a few windows or maybe a chair or two can be passed off as a heat-of-the moment act which is totally wrong.
However, premeditated acts like taking petrol into the university to burn down buildings with the intention of causing major damage need to be considered as sabotage and dealt with accordingly.
The few culprits intent on causing mayhem and destruction need to be identified and apprehended.
Our justice system needs to look at innovative ways to deal with instigators who want to see the gains achieved in South Africa reversed.
Students advocating free education have legitimate reasons.They need to get the public on their side. Destruction of property is going to alienate them from the public.
Positive public sentiment is an important factor that can be used as leverage to assist students to achieve their demands.
Eventually, if their demands for free university education are met, what do they go back to? Burnt libraries and lecture rooms, no admin buildings to run the university and no cafeteria to catch a quick bite or play some pool or thunee? The café was my favourite hideout when I was on campus.
To echo the statement of Dennis Pather: Now that they have embarked on a destructive, scorched earth strategy and destroyed so much valuable infrastructure and resources on their way to victory, what do they come back to?
The #FeesMustFall saga is far from over. The concept of free university education seems unlikely and elusive in the short to medium term.
Treasury needs to re-prioritise funds to make free education a reality in the long term.
The fact that economic growth is estimated at less than 1% further compounds the situation.
A ratings downgrade is also imminent, putting the economy under further strain.
Factors like these need to be navigated before any statement on free university education can be made.
This is ultimately going to be an extremely tough decision that will be coming from government. VIJAY SURUJPAL
Phoenix