Ex-student leader vows to fight on for free education
THE #FeesMustFall movement leader and former University of the Witwatersrand SRC president Mcebo Dlamini said the political pressure surrounding his case would not deter him in his fight for free education.
Dlamini was speaking after yet another postponement of his case in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday. He is facing multiple charges that include public violence, assault, theft and damage to property.
The matter was postponed to August 15 to allow him time to instruct another lawyer about his situation after his current lawyer withdrew from the case.
During yesterday’s court proceedings, the State indicated that its investigation was complete and it was ready to proceed with the matter.
Following his appearance, a calm Dlamini spoke on the latest delay, seemingly attributing this to political pressure mounted against his lawyers.
“I don’t know what happened today, but we’ve always said these cases seem to be politically motivated.
“I’m still trying to get time to engage with my lawyers but they’ve raised serious concerns with regards to the political pressure (around the case). There’s too much pressure and they can’t handle it.”
Dlamini added that while his lawyer’s withdrawal took him by surprise, the pressure also made him uncomfortable because lawyers were often unaccustomed to dealing with the pressure politicians are subjected to.
He added that this pressure was similar to that experienced by student leaders and their lawyers during the apartheid-era, which was often an attempt to leave them to represent themselves.
Despite this, Dlamini said this would not deter him from his cause and vowed to continue with his fight.
Dlamini was arrested at his Wits residence in October last year during the protests for free education.