Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande on Tuesday, said that the student protests are part of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ agenda to destabilise and discredit the African National Congress-led government.
Nzimande was speaking after several protesting students stormed into the main entrance of his department’s office during a media briefing with the interim board of convocations and alumni, to discuss the ongoing protests at universities across the country.
EFF student command president, Mpho Morolane, blasted Nzimande’s comments.
“How does he say a call of students is instigated by one political party,†Morolane said.
Morolane said the party might be in support of the #FeesMustFall campaign but he insisted that the movement is supported by students from all races.
“Students are raising legitimate concern and it must continue. We want free quality education now as a matter of urgency,†he said.
He also criticised Nzimande for not addressing the violence allegedly suffered by students from the police.
“What about the brutality of students coming from the state, coming from universities, the criminalisation of student populist, that is uncalled for.â€
Morolane concluded by encouraging students to continue fighting for free education.
“We believe we can attain this free education.â€
Police have since released the students who they detained after they disrupted the minister during his media briefing.
– African News Agency (ANA)
