‘We are serious about our education’ – Univen
Univen's SRC President says students cannot afford more disruptions to the academic year.,therefore they decided to opt out of the #NationalShutdown protests.
LIMPOPO – Students at the University of Venda will not join the nationwide protests for free higher education.
Across the country, students joined strikes around two weeks ago after students who are indebted to universities were not allowed to register for the 2021 academic year.
Many students depend on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to complete their studies, however it was recently announced that the scheme will not be able to accept students this year due to financial constraints.
Univen students say they cannot afford to miss out on classes as they cannot afford more disruptions to the academic year.
SRC President, Gift Chauke explained last Tuesday that they are still in the process of finalising the 2020 academic year, and students who are currently writing examinations need to be given the necessary space to do so.
“We are serious about our education. We have come to realise that some students who are protesting, have finished their academic year and we cannot just blindly emulate them,” said Chauke.
Univen’s first year students are registering for free online and therefore, they don’t see the point in joining any protests, but instead aim to make learning and teaching conducive for students.
Univen Spokesperson, Dr Takalani Dzaga said the university’s student leadership has consistently demonstrated a willing and productive relationship with management.
“They are serious about education and want to complete their degrees and diplomas. We are building good leaders here at Univen, because whenever challenges arise, we sit down and try to find a solution so that the academic year can continue as usual.”
