Students leaders demand free education, today
Student leaders made it clear that they want government to accede to their demands without delay.
PRETORIA - Students leaders who disrupted the higher education forum say they won't accept anything less than a commitment from government to implement free education, today.
The SRC leaders interrupted the event after President Jacob Zuma excused himself to attend to his weekly African National Congress meeting at Luthuli House.
The meeting is aimed at finding solutions to the recent disruptive and sometimes violent protests at campuses across the country.
Angered by President Zuma's hasty departure, the student leaders made it clear that they want government to accede to their demands without delay.
Cosatu has congratulated the students for raising their concerns the way they have, but urged all parties to negotiate.
The forum was told that a student delegation is formulating a resolution which will be included in the forum's declaration.
The student leaders have also criticised Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande for his handling of the higher education forum earlier today.
#FeesForum pic.twitter.com/Uhz4xcgxXe
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 3, 2016
#FeesForum pic.twitter.com/DKChVXOIPc
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 3, 2016
The minister told students who had disrupted the meeting that they were grandstanding.
But the SRC leaders took exception to the way the minister interrupted one of their leaders who was trying to address the meeting.
"What kind of bulldozing of youth that students undergo in these meetings, this was a prime example and a testament of the kind of power dynamics that are unfolding in our country."
The meeting has since resumed with various submissions from labour and business organisation.
#FeesForum pic.twitter.com/KEMwoEzxEU
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 3, 2016
