While criticism against the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) mounted on Tuesday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) declared its intention to apply for a court interdict against the student organisation.
This was despite the African National Congress’ (ANC) attempts to pacify the GDE, upset after Cosas supporters damaged vehicles and hawkers’ property during a protest march last week.
GDE representative Lebelo Maloka said in a statement on Tuesday: ”The GDE will continue in its endeavours to act against the organisers of the march of Friday, the 24 May, 2002. We are in a process of applying for the court interdict”.
Maloka said Gauteng education MEC Ignatius Jacobs appreciated the ANC’s intervention in the dispute.
Two other organisations added their voices to condemnation of the illegal march which led to looting and chaos in the city centre.
In a statement the United Democratic Students’ Movement (Udesmo) said, although it supported Cosas’ demand for free and equal education for all which had been promised by the current government prior to the 1994 general election, it condemned violent and unruly protest.
”Udesmo believes that perseverance through diplomacy is a better approach. Udesmo calls upon the Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, and the Department of Education not to tie Cosas and other students’ political organisation with the same belt”.
South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) deputy chairman Jody Kollapen said: ”The SAHRC condemns wanton destruction associated with student ‘protests’… The actions of students embarking on what is termed ‘protest action’ and ‘civil disobedience’ has flashed across our television screens and print media over the past few days and the lasting impression left behind is one of wanton destruction”.
Kollapen said education ”without a doubt” remained the key to unlocking the potential of each South African, however shock tactics were inappropriate.
”Lest we forget, we now live in a democracy and the tactics and strategies that may well have been appropriate in the pre-democratic era, and which served us well then, may no longer be appropriate.
”If we are to develop respect for the law and the rule of law then those involved must surely be prosecuted and face the full consequences of their actions,” she said. – Sapa