Violence concerns alumni
THE UNIVERSITY of Kwazulu-natal alumni believe dialogue within the university community will assist in ending the destruction at the institution.
Student alumni expressed their concern at the destruction and violence on the campuses, adding that it was not a means to resolving conflict. One of the burning issues affecting protesting students is historic debt.
This week students blockaded an entrance to the Westville campus and set fire to property.
An emeritus professor, Erwin Brüning, 77, was kicked and manhandled by students during the protest. The video of that incident has gone viral.
Following the incident, former student and staff member Kiru Naidoo said that he had been trying unsuccessfully to take a delegation to meet the vice-chancellor.
“Tensions in our education institutions are nothing new. As parents, alumni and donors we are a stakeholder community that should be reached out to rather than ignored,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo earlier in the week put up a cash reward of R10 000 to anyone who could help identify a student who assaulted the professor on campus. “It is an affront to our entire society that a young man can be so callous. He must be identified and hauled up to face the consequences,” said Naidoo.
UKZN management condemned the wanton acts of violence, intimidation and destruction of property, perpetuated by groups of students on the campuses.
“We are working closely with the SAPS to identify and apprehend the suspects. Violence is not the solution to the challenges we are facing. University management genuinely cares for financially disadvantaged students and is making every effort to help clear historic debt to enable affected students to register,” read a statement.
Within hours of putting up the reward, Naidoo said that leads had been coming in which he forwarded to law enforcement agencies.
He said that he was also encouraged by the offers to contribute financially towards the reward offered. The university has an impeccable track record of producing luminaries such as Black Consciousness leader and ex-robben Island prisoner Dr Saths Cooper, judges Navi Pillay, Zac Yacoob, Kate Pillay and Vuka Shabalala as well as global leaders like Kumi Naidoo and Vasu Gounden.
Gounden, who was the SRC president in 1985 and 1986, condemned the destruction of property and the assault of an individual.
“They ought to find a way to dialogue around the issue. The students must have some grievances but I don’t think they warrant destruction of property.
“I’m sure this could be worked out through dialogue with the university. As a community we can support the university community and whatever assistance they need to come to an agreement. I’m sure there are prominent members of the community who are alumni who could provide a platform for dialogue, if other avenues have been exhausted,” said Gounden.
Researcher and retired academic Betty Govinden said there must be a way of addressing students’ concerns.
“Things can be addressed before both sides become so heated in their confrontation. This should be during the year and not to wait till registration time because these problems are anticipated,” said Govinden.
Ranjith Choonilall, president of The 1860 Pioneers Foundation, said the deteriorating situation at UKZN was a cause for concern.
“We call on the University Council to break its silence and to take charge to stabilise the university to prevent further violence against persons and property. It is important that the management of the university meets with parents and community organisations to find a solution to the problems that seem to persistently face the institution,” said Choonilall.