Fees must go

VANDERBIJLPARK. – The Northwest University has temporarily postponed university examinations following student unrest that carried on, even though government last week announced that fees won’t be increased in 2016.
The management of the university was forced to revise and reschedule examinations to November 2. What seemed like endless negotiations between North West University (NWU) management and students saw students returning to the institution from October 28.
The students ran amok last week when the fees for 2016 were increased by 9.5%. Despite the fact that President Jacob Zuma was forced to drop to zero%, students continued with the rampage that resulted in the suspension of classes.
NWU spokesperson Annete Willemse said examinations will start on November 2. The decision was made by Vice Chancellor Dan Kgwadi together with the Student Representative Council.
Students, however, still demand that all fees and debts be scrapped.
‘#Fees Must Fall, #Blade Nzimande Must Fall, #ANC Must Fall,’ – these were messages that were chanted and written on placards held high by disgruntled students.
The students geared up when Bishop Steven Zondo of Rivers of Living Waters Ministries led them to receive an answer from the acting rector, Professor Linda du Plessis last week.
Zondo said, “No votes will be cast for the 2016 municipal elections if the government continues to demand such high tertiary fees.” Pledging solidarity support as a leader, Zondo said he thought the government should provide free education for all. “The ruling party (ANC) forget the promises they made to the public.
“All the fees and debts must fall and be scrapped. I am a tax payer! Let my money be utilised to pay school fees,” he said
“scrap all debts and allow children to go to school for free.”
Responding to the memorandum, Prof du Plessis read that a proposed fee of 9,5% is a national matter. The vice chancellor and SRC attended a meeting with President Jacob Zuma to find a solution.
Shimmy Mokubung, representative of the Economic Freedom Fighters, said they are not going to allow the government to toy with them. This is not about political gain but to address the serious issues experienced by students.
Students appeal for the support of their parents as they are the ones paying these ‘ridiculous amounts.’ “We will never go down without fighting for our rights,” said Busisiwe Maduna, Democratic Alliance student representative.
After listening to their leaders, students went on the rampage to barricade the main gate and close it with burning tyres. No injuries were reported. The police kept a watchful eye on the happenings from a distance.