Pretoria - Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande and Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko met with the leadership of SAPS at the University of Witwatersrand, on Monday, to agree on the urgent need to establish the rule of law at all institutions of higher learning in the country.
The Ministers, in a statement after the meeting, said the current destruction of national assets on campuses must stop at once.
The Ministers also agreed that they want all conflicts at institutions of higher learning to be resolved by peaceful means rather than through the interventions of law enforcement agencies.
However, in instances of criminality, law enforcement agencies must intervene firmly without fear or favour.
"This necessary move is being taken to ensure the rule of law and to bring to an end all criminal acts and the destruction of national assets which are crucial to the empowerment of individuals, students, families and communities through teaching, learning and research.
"The leadership of SAPS also agreed to do everything within their power to return campuses to a peaceful state in which teaching, learning and research can take place alongside the necessary debate and discussion of real and concrete issues affecting students," the Ministers said in the joint statement.
Earlier in the day, the Ministers visited Wits Library where they were shown the invaluable Rivonia Trial transcripts, which could be the only set still in existence in the country.
"Just imagine if acts of criminality, such as those that have been witnessed on some campuses, were to result in the irreparable loss of this invaluable heritage.
“This is why there is an urgent need for police intervention where required and necessary in our country's universities and colleges, and also the reason why we fully support the additional security measures that universities have regrettably have to put in place — money that could be better spent on teaching and research," the Ministers said.
They called on parents, community and faith leaders to take a more active role alongside the government, police and the universities in mobilising for the restoration of the rule of law at universities and ensuring that students are able to continue with their studies — one of the most important routes to individual, family and community empowerment.
"As we take all these necessary measures, I want to stress that universities must and will remain open to dialogue with students, as will the Ministry of Higher Education and Training, but lawlessness of any kind will not be tolerated,” warned Minister Nzimande.
He said key to the resolution of the real issues facing students and the higher education sector, among others, in the country, is the acceptance by all sides that dialogue is the route to sustainable solutions, and that this needs to take place within a climate of peace and an acceptance by all South Africans of the rule of law.
Minister Nzimande has been in intensive discussions with the entire range of stakeholders in the higher education sector and continues to seek with them lasting and sustainable solutions to the real challenges facing higher education.
He thanked those who have raised these issues and continue to engage in a constructive manner.
The Minister will, in the coming days, continue to meet a range of stakeholder representatives including students, academics, support staff organisations and administrators, as he intensifies the dialogue begun last year.
– SAnews.gov.za
