SAUS lashes at vice-chancellors, saying financial exclusion continues
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) has lashed out at vice-chancellors whom they say continue to exclude students on the basis of historic debt.
The union says this flies in the face of a call by Minister of Higher Education Naledi Pandor for students not to be barred from completing their studies.
SAUS embarked on a ‘national shutdown’ campaign earlier this month in protest against several issues, including financial exclusion and student accommodation.
Pandor told the media after a meeting with the student union that an agreement was reached that all National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) students in good academic standing must sign an acknowledgment of debt form.
This would allow them to register for the new academic year.
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SAUS president Misheck Mugabe said at a media briefing on Tuesday that some institutions of higher learning are not complying with Pandor’s directive.
Student protests are continuing at several universities, including the Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology and the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
"This is a result of arrogant and pompous vice-chancellors who want to define themselves outside the leadership of the department. SAUS frowns upon such elements and vows to send a high-level delegation to all these universities to ensure that all the outstanding issues are quickly resolved.
“We call upon the minister to reign in some of these vice-chancellors who have an exaggerated sense of self-importance to the extent of defying the minister."
Mugabe said the union is disappointed that Pandor has not dealt with the issue of student victimisation.
Durban University of Technology student Mlungisi Madonsela was killed during protests at the institution earlier this month, allegedly at the hands of private security.
"We do feel that some of the issues have not been responded to in a manner that is satisfactory. The issue of student victimisation across the sector was clearly ignored by the minister. Student leaders are a critical component in ensuring that the country achieves its strategic objectives regarding higher education."
He pleaded with students not to resort to violence, while at the same time warning that it will continue to shut down institutions until the demands are met.
"Definitely, we will do that until there is an implementation of these decisions that were taken.”