Tebogo Msimanga |
The Economic Freedom Fighters condemned the reported murder of a civilian during the protests by students of the University of Witwatersrand, in Braamfontein Johannesburg.The deceased male was 36- years old and he was allegedly shot three times.
Over the past few days, students at the institution have been engaged in peaceful protests, demanding free registration and the clearance of debt, to ensure that no one is turned away from education as a result of not having money.
Higher education minister Blade Nzimande announced on Monday, 08 March 2021 that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is facing a financial shortfall.
The EFF said the reported murder of a civilian is a tragic occurrence that is a result “of drawn out brutality against students who have the noble demand of access to education.”
The party is calling for the arrest of all police officers who were involved in an indiscriminate opening of fire on protesting students and civilians. “It is reckless behaviour that mirrors the action of Marikana, in which unthreatening workers were slain in defence of capital.”
The EFF added that the crisis of funding in South Africa, which is leading to the poor being unable to register in institutions of higher learning “is a direct breach to the right to education, and to further shoot, injure and kill people in defence of financial exclusion, constitutes a human rights violation.”
Meanwhile, NEHAWU said the issue of funding of students cannot be ignored any further and Nzimande, must move with speed in resolving it.
