International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says the completion of phase 1 of an on-campus student residence at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) will go a long way in ensuring the safety of students.
In May a student at the university, 21 year old Zolile Khumalo’s life was cut short at one of the off-campus student residences when she was shot and killed.
“We regret that the Khumalos' daughter lost her beautiful life in our hands. We are here to make sure that our children live in security and comfort and never again shall we lose a hair of any woman in this institution. MUT should be commended for completing phase 1 of the new student residence. This will go a long way in ensuring that students live in a safe and secure environment," said Sisulu.
Sisulu, who is the Chancellor of MUT, commended the institution for honouring the late Khumalo by completing phase 1 of the on-campus student residence.
The Minister was speaking on the margins of the inauguration of the new MUT vice chancellor and Principal, Enoch Malaza, which coincided with the completion of the new student residence on Saturday.
Malaza’s inauguration and the official opening of the student residence was attended by the Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who is one of the founding fathers of the Institution, vice chancellors from other institutions and Zolile Khumalo’s family.
The MUT community also used the official opening of the student residence to launch a fountain, erected in honour of the late Zolile as the country commemorates Women’s Month.
“We are going to use the rest of this month speaking against violence against women. It is the most unacceptable way in which society should live,” said Sisulu. –SAnews.gov.za
