The University of the Witwatersrand’s management and student representatives were due to meet on Monday in a bid to resolve a mass protest over the slashing of students’ financial aid.
Lectures were cancelled on Monday after protesting students barged into lecture halls, turning desks over and tearing up exam papers in a bid to focus attention on the aid cuts.
Last week students received letters informing them of the cuts of up to 50%.
The university said it has spent more than R246-million over the past three years on financial aid, bursaries and scholarships, but in 2003 the number of students qualifying increased by more than 400% from fewer than 600 to almost 3Â 000.
The university allocated R80-million for financial aid, scholarships and bursaries in 2004 but only R36-million of this amount was received from the government for the national student financial aid scheme.
The scheme allows a maximum loan of R22Â 000 per individual per year, while the average fees, residence and related costs amount to R35Â 000 a person per year. The university must make up the R13Â 000 difference.
“We should all work together to come up with the necessary funds to solve the financial aid issue. It is the responsibility of everyone — including the government, students, the university and even the private sector,” said vice-chancellor Loyiso Nongxa.
He criticised the protests, saying: “This is totally unacceptable. While some students have the right to protest, others have a right to learn. Disruption in any way of the academic learning programme is totally unacceptable.”
He said the university has taken measures to address the demand for financial aid.
Seventeen-year-old Mack Rabapane said his mother, who lives in rural Limpopo, uses the R700 she earns to support the whole family.
His studies cost R34Â 000 a year and he says the letter he received says he must pay R17Â 000, irrespective of whether he already has a signed contract from the university promising to pay 100% residence and tuition fees. If he fails to pay the amount, his exam results will be withheld and he will not able to proceed to the next year of study.
Student Representative Council president Philemon Lukhele told a crowd of about 3Â 000 students who had moved to the Senate House concourse: “We told them we want a full package of financial support. We will stay here until the walls of this building collapse.”
Leaders representing the South African Students Congress, the African National Congress Youth League and the Inkatha Freedom Party Youth Brigade were rushing around preparing for the meeting while students continued to chant slogans and sing. — Sapa
Wits students protest aid cuts