Protests cannot be allowed to hold education hostage

In 2017 then president Jacob Zuma announced that the government would subsidise free higher education for the poor and working class students. In line with the announcement, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) disbursed a whopping R22bn to fund higher education in 2018 with the amount expected to increase to R32bn this year. With the proclamation, we in the Eastern Cape hoped institutions such as Walter Sisulu University would finally have a smooth flow in their academic programme. That was not to be. Last week the Daily Dispatch reported that students ended a lengthy class boycott after vice-chancellor Prof Rob Midgley warned them that if they did not return to class he would have no option but to close the Mthatha campus. We are told the protest was sparked by students’ demand for NSFAS to pay their allowances directly into their bank accounts. The return to class brought a sigh of relief to a campus, which according to the SRC public relations officer has witnessed only two weeks of learning in this academic year due to several waves of protests.

However, the celebration was short-lived.

Last Thursday we woke up to reports that students were engaged in running battles with security guards. The students alleged the guards were harassing them.

We wonder if dialogue was ever given a chance before resorting to violence.

Whatever the case, one thing for certain is that the academic programme at WSU was once again derailed. That was disturbing news indeed. It is for such reasons that watching one of WSU’s most illustrious alumna, SCA judge president Justice Mandisa Maya, receiving her honorary doctorate was so good for our hearts. She spoke of how the students of her era triumphed against all odds.

The current crop of WSU students must be reminded of the main reason why they are at university: getting a qualification. While it is their democratic right to protest, they must not lose sight of keeping the academic programme on track. Class boycotts must never be made fashionable. Surely the valid issues raised by students can be addressed without losing learning time. If the prevailing waves of protests continue the university will either produce half-baked students or students will have to repeat modules. We once again implore students: seize the precious opportunity they have been given to study.

The WSU students must be reminded of the main reason why they are at university: getting a qualification