Rhodes University
The continued and intensified student protests being witnessed across the country are a result of a lack of faith in the government.
These are the sentiments of Professor Sioux McKenna, the Director of Postgraduate Studies at Rhodes University.
The protest surrounding financial issues at higher learning institutions flared-up at four universities this week.
This is despite the National Financial Aid Scheme NSFAS being allocated further billions of rands on Thursday to accommodate qualifying students.
Professor McKenna has criticised Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande's statement on the issue, saying it does not reflect the reality of the situation the student’s find themselves in.
She added that although universities are doing their best to resolve students’ finance issues, the buck ultimately stops with the government.
Minister Nzimande has increased the funding for NSFAS to R42.1 billion for all qualifying students, including first years.
At first, Nzimande announced that the scheme did not have enough money to fund incoming undergraduate students but in a turn of events he told the media that they reprioritised their budget for the inclusion of those with historical debt.
A 35-year-old bystander, Mthokozi Edwin Ntumba was shot and killed in the Braamfontein CBD on Wednesday when police allegedly fired shots at protesting students.
Several students from WITS and the University of the Free State (UFS) have been arrested.
All 25 students arrested at UFS have been granted bail by the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Friday, at no cost.
They were released on warnings until they reappear on 23 April 2021.
The case was postponed to allow for further police investigations.
They face charges which include public violence and contravening the Road Traffic Act and the Gatherings Act.
Seven students arrested for the Wits protest were released due to a lack of evidence.
