26 Universities to Protest over Financial Exclusion: #NationalShutdown
- Students across all 26 government universities in the country are planning to protest on Monday, 15 March
- The students are protesting over the financial exclusion of certain individuals and historical debt
- Protests have been going on since Friday and plans for Monday's nationwide protest were made over the weekend
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All 26 universities across the country are planning a #NationalShutdown. This is according to the South African Union of Student (SAUS). The SAUS said over the weekend that the students from the various universities will be protesting over financial exclusion.
The students want historical debt to be abandoned and for their voices to be heard. Reports say the SAUS met with Deputy Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela to share their memorandum of demands.
Social media is buzzing with the news of the #NationalShutdown with mixed opinions being shared and the hashtag at the number one trending spot on Twitter.
Source: Getty Images
According to SABC News, the students will continue with their protests until their demands are met. A report by News24 confirmed that students from the University of Cape Town are already planning to protest this morning regardless of what the institution said about resuming classes as normal.
Briefly.co.za took to Twitter to see what some South Africans are saying about the protests:
@HarryMoganoh said:
"Those crooks who LOOTED PPE funds must be held accountable and those funds need to fund higher education. #NationalShutdown."
@Momo55885706 wrote:
"As a NSFAS funded student who is unable to graduate because of outstanding fees, I fully understand and support the students #NationalShutdown."
@Tems_stan tweeted:
"The #NationalShutdown could have been prevented if we had competent leaders, both the SRC and at a parliamentary level. It is also no use beating around the bush, Blade Ndzimande MUST step down with IMMEDIATE EFFECT. Remove the root of the tree instead of attacking the branches!"
@Goniwe56 shared:
'"#NationalShutdown We understand that the issue is sensitive, however, we cannot say it's unfair just because you are not directly affected. It might not affect you now, but wait until the table turns. Don't think something is not a problem just because it’s not a problem for you."
@Makatane_ stated:
"Almost a billion spent on @StateCaptureCom but there is no money for students to register? #NationalShutdown"
Briefly.co.za shared a post on Facebook asking South African's what they think of the protests. Take a look at the post below:
Read some of the responses below:
Olebogeng Legote said:
"JZ left thuma mina and Blade with a hot potato. The students must Nzimande that they keep their promise of free education. #FeesMustFall."
Sjex Nightyone wrote:
"Yes, We are braced with a right to higher education and training!!!"
Khomotso George Tjale shared:
"No, each university has its own problems and they always strike every year without shutting down other universities, just because this year its Wits the world must stop."
Motchanthe Ntheri asked:
"Innocent question; Why is education free in prison?"
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzaimande is in the firing line as student protestors are threatening to shut the country down.
Protestors are not satisfied with Nzimande and his response to the crisis. Protestors have threatened to grind higher education to a halt and bring the country to a standstill.
A national day of protests is planned for Monday as students continue their battle for free education.
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Source: Briefly News
