Rhodes University says it will be taking actions against those responsible for an arson attempt and other acts of vandalism on campus during recent student protests.In a communique, Vice Chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela, said they're in the process of collecting evidence with a view to laying charges against those who commit unlawful acts.He says once identified, firm action will be taken against the perpetrators who started a fire at the Main Admin Building on the First of this month and who also padlocked a residence from outside, placing the occupants at risk.
Dr Mabizela says some dining hall readers and doors were also sealed with glue.He says at the moment lectures are continuing but classes have been disrupted by protesters.Mabizela says some of the measures taken by Rhodes to continue teaching, include placing all learning materials, including notes, exercises, tutorials and assignments, on the university's online platform.Academic staff are available at all times for consultations and guidance while the Rhodes library is fully operational.
Excerpt from statement issued by Vice Chancellor Mabizela:
We are committed to working with all like-minded people to persuade our national government and the private sector to help address the dire funding situation in our public higher education system in line with the four commitments mentioned above. The majority of our students and staff identify with these four commitments. They also appreciate that these cannot be realised in a day, week or month and that we, together with other role players in our public higher education system, need to invest time and energy to achieve the four objectives we have articulated. Our view is that our effort to advance the realisation of these objectives, on the one hand, and continuing with our academic activities, on the other, are not mutually exclusive or incompatible. In fact, these two are mutually supportive - we must invest time, energy and resources for the realisation of the four imperatives and at the same time ensure that we continue with our academic activities.
We cannot place in jeopardy or sacrifice the future of the current generation of our students in the name of pursuing the above imperatives. We cannot associate ourselves with the view espoused by some that there must be 'free' education for all or no education at all. It remains our highest priority to see a successful completion of the 2016 academic year. We are doing all in our power to achieve this objective. Among other things,"lecture classes are held even though some have been disrupted;"all learning materials, including notes, exercises, tutorials and assignments have been made available through our online learning platform, RU Connected;"academic staff are available at all times for consultations and guidance;"our library is fully operational. We thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate this difficult time in the history of our public higher education system. Thank you also, for supporting and encouraging your daughter/son in this difficult time.
