Tail is wagging the dog in student protests

THE vandalism at UKZN by protesting students is a reflection of the dire state that our educational institutions are in.

The cost of the destruction caused by the rampaging students is estimated at R32million. There is also speculation of criminal elements involved.

Last year’s matric examinations was marred by mass copying with limited headway made in investigations and bringing perpetrators to book.

Some schools implicated in the mass copying have hijacked investigations by Department of Education officials. Learners in a school in Ndwedwe protested, with teachers’ and departmental officials’ vehicles being stoned.

These situations are a typical case of the tail wagging the dog which can easily spiral out of control if left unchecked.

Stats South Africa figures reveal 100 000 learners fell pregnant in 2014. Could the child support social grant be a motivating factor?

Students who fail have their marks upwardly adjusted giving them a false sense of hope. Could this possibly be one of the multitude of reasons to explain the instability and destruction at UKZN?

This is an untenable situation, impacting our limited finances, considering about six million citizens are taxpayers. Constructive engagement between university management and students is imperative.

VIJAY SURUJPAL

Phoenix