President sets up task team on situation at universities

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has established a ministerial task team to assist the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande, to normalise the situation at higher education institutions across South Africa.

The task team comprises Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe as convenor, Minister Nzimande, Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Michael Masutha, Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko, Minister of State Security David Mahlobo, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba.

"We urge all stakeholders including students, university management, parents and religious leaders to cooperate with the ministerial task team to ensure that the future of our children is not jeopardised," said President Zuma.

President Zuma has condemned the acts of violence and the destruction of property at institutions of higher learning and has urged all students to return to class while solutions are collectively sought to the challenges of higher education in the country.

He said government reiterated its full commitment to promoting access to higher education for the children of the poor and the working class. – SAnews.gov.za