Alliance partners fight over prospect of student fee rise

BDLive 10 September 2016

A public relations spat has broken out between the African National Congress Youth League and its youth alliance partner in the South African Communist Party against the backdrop of rising tension at universities over the prospect of fee increases, writes Bekezela Phakathi for BDLive.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is the institution hardest hit by the turmoil sparked by the likelihood of fee hikes being introduced in 2017. It has suffered extensive damage to its property and its students have been injured and arrested in running battles with the police. Department of Higher Education and Training Director-general Gwebinkundla Qonde last Wednesday said that the department had noted the unrest at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and had also moved to dispel "misleading" reports that the government had taken a firm decision on fees.

In an open letter, ANC Youth League Secretary General Njabulo Nzuza has called on Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande to deal with the fee crisis by implementing a resolution that was taken by the ANC’s national executive committee that no fee increases be instituted. The Young Communist League responded with its own open letter, addressed to President Jacob Zuma. League National Secretary Mluleki Dlelanga wrote: "We believe [Nzuza] chose to isolate comrade… Nzimande because he [Nzuza] does not believe in collective responsibility when it suits him [Nzuza]." Dlelanga blamed Zuma for the education debacle.
Full report on the BDLive site

Receive UWN's free weekly e-newsletters

A new global university ranking with an ethical mission

Aftab Dean

A new university ranking system aims to serve as a catalyst for positive transformation in higher education, ensuring that universities create an environment grounded in integrity and sustainability that inspires and supports students and staff in the development of novel solutions to global challenges.

Promoted by Globethics.net.

SDG progress report launches university into new territory

University of Pretoria staff

In the publication of its first progress report on its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, the University of Pretoria is navigating new territory at the same time as it is acknowledging its clear stewardship role in protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Promoted by the University of Pretoria.

Researchers in the UAE tackle water scarcity at its core

UAE University staff

Water scarcity has long been an issue in countries such as the United Arab Emirates. But the country’s National Water and Energy Center, based at the United Arab Emirates University, is providing solutions for the efficient exploration, development, use, storage and sustainability of the precious resource.

Promoted by United Arab Emirates University.