JOHANNESBURG, October 16 (ANA) – The African National Congress, South African Communist Party, Congress of South African Trade Unions, and the South African National Civic Organisation alliance on Sunday urged students at universities around the country to return to class and complete the academic year.
The alliance secretariat, comprising of the secretaries general of the ANC, SACP, Cosatu, and Sanco met in a regularly scheduled meeting on Friday, they said in a joint statement.
The secretariat deliberated, among other matters, the current crisis in higher education.
“The alliance supports the legitimate struggle of students for free education for the poor and we reaffirm our collective commitment to the progressive realisation of this goal. We urge the Heher Commission to conclude its work speedily.
“However, the alliance is concerned about the long-term damaging impact that the closure of institutions of higher learning will have on students and society. Should the academic year be postponed; some of the potential consequences include -matriculants not being accommodated during 2017 and a shortage of new graduates in fields such as medicine. We urge therefore students to go back to class and to complete the academic year.
“The alliance also urges students to protect their academic infrastructure and to desist from violence and destruction of public property,†the statement said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
