Local students protesting for fees to fall
50 of the colleges are closed due to the protest.
The new education year has barely started and local students seem to be protesting already about “fees [that] must fall”.
According to the spokesperson for Westcol, Salome du Toit, students started to protest early yesterday morning (19 January).
“The head office of the Westcol College is open, but 50 of the colleges, including the one in Krugersdorp, are closed due to the protest,” Du Toit said.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) issued a statement saying some Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College principals have informed the Department that some student groups at their institutions intend taking action over a range of grievances once the term starts.
Minister Blade Nzimande, speaking in this context, reiterated both the constitutional right of those wishing to protest to do so peacefully, and the equally important right of those who wish to continue teaching and learning to do so unhindered and without intimidation.
“We are determined not to let this situation go on for longer than is absolutely necessary, and we are working with the college authorities and other relevant institutions such as the Sector Education and Training Authority to rectify any deficiencies,” said the Minister.
Read more here
Protests due to empty promises
