We showed you that Mmusi Maimane wasn’t welcomed by all on UCT campus, how about we check in with what’s happening over at Stellies?
Twitter user Athi Mtongana has shared two videos that show just how real and raw the emotions felt by the students are right now. The first shows students blocking vehicles on campus, one protester even climbing on top of the vehicle itself.
Protesting students blocking vehicles #StelliesFeesMustFall@eNCApic.twitter.com/K93aRhnKiw
— Athi Mtongana (@Artii_M) October 20, 2015
A second video shows another student brought to tears by the proposed hike in fees.
Emotions rise #StelliesFeesMustFall@eNCApic.twitter.com/CcgyH5TfdA
— Athi Mtongana (@Artii_M) October 20, 2015
It looks like the protests are paying off as it has just been reported that university fee increases for 2016 will be capped at 6%. This from EWN:
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) earlier said a meeting between the minster and vice-chancellors from various universities and other stakeholders resolved that fees should not be increased by more than six percent annually.
The power of the people never ceases to amaze, although as it stands it looks like that increase will still be rejected and protests will continue:
Sthembiso Ndlovu, deputy chairperson of Sasco [South African Students Congress] in Gauteng: “We are saying we want zero fee increases. We don’t want this 6% cap they are talking about. We are continuing with our fight for free education.”
UCT students say 6% is way too much for an increase and that Nzimande must be crazy.
