DA: Higher education on the brink of collapse

Speaking during a press briefing at the weekend, Maimane said that he does not support the complete shutdown of universities since the knock-on effect on the economy would be catastrophic.

Maimane said he will be meeting the Vice Chancellors of the various universities to find a way forward - and bring an end to the ongoing student protests. 

"Should this academic year not be completed, the knock-on effect on our economy and other important sectors such as health care, will in fact be catastrophic," he said.

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He added that poor students are the ones who will end up suffering if the academic year is cancelled - and the lawlessness accompanying the protests proves the interests of poor students are not being served.

"It is evident for all to see that those who continue to advocate for campus shutdowns are not animated by desire to help poor students. The destruction and violence which we have witnessed in the last few weeks are acts of thugs and criminals," Maimane told reporters.

He also called on all students to join the call for all the universities to reopen.

"They must reject the blatant disregard for our law and constitution demonstrated by a small group of violent students," Maimane concluded.