Castigate those attacking our freedom

THE article by NX Nyembezi in the Cape Argus on Monday, November 20, cannot go unchallenged.

Instead of finding fault with UCT for “raising walls to protect the freedom of students”, he should direct his vitriol to the minority who are attacking the freedom. Raising walls to protect freedom has its history in the old walled cities and castles and the enclosed kraals.

“The right of students of access to education” is something that should be taken up with the state and not with the university. Otherwise, the right to other basics should also lead to attacks upon the providers of shelter, food and water.

His statement “that UCT discharging its mandate to stage examinations would lead directly to violence” is reckless and inflammatory.

People like him who abuse UCT for protecting “the vast majority of students still supporting the plan to proceed with the examinations” do not practise what they preach. Because they then would have to dismantle their car alarms in order not to provoke wrongdoers. Not to speak of home security. Two questions I would like him to answer: First, why is he against the arrest of students on charges of public indecency?

And second, please explain “decolonised education” with reference to mathematics.

Finally, I would like to give him a word of advice. As a teacher he should be aware that to convince others you need facts, and should not hide behind the use of coloured language, as he has done.