'Tertiary education shut down a no-win situation': expert
An education analyst feels South Africa cannot afford another tertiary education shutdown.
Professor Kobus Maree says another shutdown would be a lose-lose situation for both students and government. Maree commented after yesterday's announcement by the SA Union of Students, calling for institutions to shutdown from Monday. He says students lose time, while government loses credibility.
Student leaders met with Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande yesterday over possible fee increases for 2017.
Maree says students need to approach the situation in a cool, calm and collected manner.
"We stand another of having lots of universities burnt down, so there is no chance of anyone winning anything. There is no progress. We are acting in a destructive manner which does not, in anyway constitute progress," he said.
"This takes the whole situation back to the way it was a year or so ago," Maree said.
"So the government loses, universities lose and students lose. There are no winners, only losers," he said.