W Cape bracing for fee protests
HIGHER education institutions in the Western Cape are bracing themselves for the continuation of last year’s #FeesMustFall protests.
Protesters say their demands have yet to be met, which is the reason for the continued action. Social media were once again dominated by the student movement this week following the registration shutdowns on Monday.
Mmetsa Mahlabela, of the #RhodesMustFall campaign, said yesterday the student movements had plans to continue their protests soon. “I can say we have definite plans, but I can’t give details. The university is definitely anticipating our actions.”
Mahlabela said the movement’s goal of free higher education for all had not yet been addressed and protests would continue.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology spokeswoman Lauren Kansley said yesterday the institution remained on high alert for the re-emergence of student protests.
Rorisang Moseli, president of UCT’s student representative council, said they were “100 percent behind the banner of acquiring free education”.
“From an SRC point of view, we want to be focusing on making sure access is broadened and students aren’t excluded based on economic status. “We will be looking at the academic curriculum and policies to ensure that poorer students aren’t just able to get into university, but are able to stay and graduate too.”
Moseli said that in terms of a shutdown, the SRC didn’t expect any major disruption during this exam period.
UCT spokesman Elijah Moholola said the university considered the recurrence of protests to be a likelihood, but they were not preparing for significant disruptions on campus.
The spokesman for the University of the Western Cape, Luthando Tyhalibongo, said UWC had met most of the 2015 student demands and was continuing to work on university-specific demands.
The Open Stellenbosch collective have placed their support behind the renewed efforts of #FeesMustFall protesters. Spokeswoman Ijeoma Opara said South African students would not be backing off this year.