GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - #FeesMustFall reloaded has hit Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), George campus.
The nationwide protest has been reignited as discussions on fees being raised next year leave students and parents frustrated, both emotionally and financially. On Monday 22 August 70 mostly South African Students’ Congress (Sasco) protesters closed the entrance to the campus, and students and staff were barred from exiting the campus.
Students are becoming increasingly exasperated with the movements either against, or for, the Fees Must Fall motion. “If you choose your right to protest then you shouldn’t impinge on my right to freedom of movement by keeping me from entering or leaving campus.” said accountant student Kaitlyn Robertson. Some students are feeling left out because they, too, have loans and bursaries and cannot afford missed tests and overdue assignments.
The popular topic of white privilege versus disadvantaged black people prevails once more, leaving one to be either: ‘with us’ or ‘against us’. Where does that leave the 'inbetweeners'?
Lisinda Josephs and Kaylene Smith were concerned for their safety after being intimidated by students on Tuesday afternoon. "They used intimidation and violence and we were scared, are these supposed to be our leaders for tomorrow?"[NMMU’s slogan is ‘For tomorrow’]
Lisinda submitted an assignment on Tuesday afternoon and came face to face with the protesters who stuck posters on her car's windscreen and terrorised her when she removed them. "I have no problem with the protest as long as it's done in an appropriate way. Don't force me to take part, I can’t afford to waste an extra year."
Parents and students who fall into the 'inbetweeners' category are struggling to digest the situation. "It's a huge concern, stones are being thrown at my daughter's car and the students need to get to school because it is a crucial time for them. My daughter is on a scholarship and if she fails it will fall through," a concerned single mother, who prefers to remain anonymous, said.
On Wednesday 24 August the George Herald spoke to student protesters of the Fees Must Fall campaign to hear their voices. Sibabalwe Mxotwa, secretary of Sasco, said they were striking against the institution and that they would continue to strike until the campus principal heard their cries. The protesters are seeking clarity for the nationwide protest and still strive towards eradicating fees completely. The George campus is working hand-in-hand with the Port Elizabeth campus in this regard.
Bulumnko Njonwe, Democratic Alliance Students Organisation (Daso) chairperson in George, said, “It makes no logical sense to threaten to shutdown universities when the universities can’t provide solutions to the crisis they themselves are in together with the students.”
Daso’s stance on the matter is to call on the universities and the students to stand together and hold the real culprit accountable. “Students must not be misled by the ANC’s student structures into misplacing anger, which should be directed towards the ANC,” Njongwe said.
Prof Raymond Auerbach of NMMU George said the frustration was understandable as this is a nationwide crisis, but responsibility still needs to be taken. “Lecturers are under immense stress and have large workloads, tests are scheduled and some students will fail because of this.”
NMMU George was asked for comment on the situation at the campus. By the time of going to print comment had not been received.
Watch a video of the protest below:
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ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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