After pressure from the EFF to release the report on free education, which was available in August last year, Jacob Zuma eventually released the long-awaited report in December 2017; Free higher education across universities and technical vocational education and training (TVET) colleges for all, as from this year.
Unisa was shut down by the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) on Friday.
UNISA:
UNISA: correspondence / distance University
Unisa open doors
Following the shutdown, Unisa decided to open it's doors for walk-in and online applications yesterday for the 2018 academic year. Thousands of students were queuing outside the campus yesterday to be registered but they were met by burning tyres at the University entrance. The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) and the South African Students' Congress (SASCO), shut down the UNISA Sunnyside campus yesterday morning as they were protesting against the payment of student registration fees.
Students jumping over gates at Unisa
Protesters block entrance at UNISA
To avoid a possible stampede, the University opened its gates after students committed to registering, risking the hazard of following a fearless student, jumping over the closed high gates and walls of the campus, while others were even throwing themselves over the walls and gates. Despite their enthusiasm to get inside, the students found themselves in front of closed doors and could not be assisted.
The staff of the Sunnyside campus was sent home yesterday for safety reasons because they could not gain access to the campus. All access points outside the University were blocked off by protesters to prevent people from entering. They were demanding the University to do away with registration fees and scrap all historical debt as this debt prevented many students from accessing free education.
Jacob Zuma passing the buck: Free education for all
Mister promises
Students are forced to pay Registration Fees
ANCYL chairperson Amukelani Ngwenya said: "They are forcing our students to pay registration fees and we were of the understanding that, after the pronouncement of Zuma, this year is the year of free education."
"Free education must be granted to students who are poor and come from poor backgrounds."
Nelson Mandela
Students turned away by aggressive protesters
A student traveling all the way from 140 km North East of Pretoria to collect his financial statement at the University, said: "I have been pushed around and was told to F**k off on Friday."
Other students say: "On Friday EFF Student Command were blocking the gate, turning people away in a very aggressive manner." "We returned on Monday only to be sent back by SASCO people." The students say it is a very frustrating situation that must be addressed in all earnest, because they would like to continue their studies and for some to start their studies.
Serious disruptions if problems not addressed
I foresee serious disruptions when students arrive at Universities, believing that they will be accepted with open arms to study for free.
This misconception needs to be managed immediately and effectively at every level of responsibility involved in this complex situation. The responsibility starts with the incumbent State President, Jacob Zuma.
