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Political parties have called for government intervention at Walter Sisulu University as the five week old wage strike by staff forced the closure of the institution's four campuses.
UDM leader, Bantu Holomisa, says he's written to President Jacob Zuma, calling on him to establish a task team to resolve the ongoing financial and other problems at the University.
He also slammed the decision to close of the University.
"We condemn this irresponsible decision, as such a step will negatively affect the 25 000 students registered at WSU. We wonder why the Government seems hell-bent on reversing all the gains made in the past on education in the Eastern Cape," Holomisa said.
The Democratic Alliance says Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, must urgently call all concerned parties around the table to resolve the crisis at Walter Sisulu University.
"The country and our youth cannot afford dysfunctional higher education institutions and our youth cannot be used as pawns in labour issues. Minister Nzimande must step up to the plate, speak up and deal with the situation - it is his job," said DA MP, Annelie Lotriet.
On Wednesday morning police arrested 16 WSU students following a protest on the N-2 outside Butterworth.
WSU said in the interest of the students safety management ordered the students to vacate all residences, hostels and rental accommodations by noon on Wednesday.
