Malusi Gigaba, the Minister of Public Enterprises and Mduduzi Manana, the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training did however address a crowd of 150 students, in the Mopani Lecture Hall at the NMMU Saasveld campus. The rally was organised by the ANC Youth League George Central and Sasco NMMU.
Deputy Minister Manana urged the students to concentrate on their studies and embrace the opportunities that have been provided by the government. He cautioned the students against expecting tenders as this would make them indebted to those responsible for securing the tender. He said "Study, so that you do not need favours." The Deputy Minister, who was appointed three days ago, undertook to revisit the NMMU Saasveld Campus so that he can deal with problems that "he knows exists".
Minister Gigaba stressed that the current crop of students is the first generation that has been able to further their studies without being under the burden of the old Homeland education system. "Previous generations of scholars brought freedom to our country, this generation must ensure that pride is restored to the institutions of higher learning."
At the time of going to press, the Southern Cape Secretary of the ANC, Putco Mapitiza, could not be reached to obtain comment on the two ministers' absence at the Thembalethu activities. Ralph Stander, who is on the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC said there were "discrepancies within the ANC and Youth League organising committees that led to time constraints, which meant that the ministers could not attend the last meeting in Thembalethu".
Minister Malusi Gigaba and Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana join in the singing of freedom songs at the Youth Day celebrations at NMMU, George on Saturday. Photos: Myron Rabinowitz
