Parliament criticises universities’ handling of protests

South Africa

The South African parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education, science and innovation on Tuesday 7 March lambasted universities for suspending protesting students and the harsh approach adopted in dealing with demonstrations on campuses, writes Phumla Makize Sunday World,

The committee was being briefed on the latest developments in these institutions of higher education by student representative bodies – the South African Students Union, which represents universities, and the South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training Students Union, which represents TVET colleges .

The student bodies highlighted the challenges in various institutions of higher education, mainly related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). They highlighted delays in the payment of allowances, the ZAR45,000 (US$2,400) housing limit, delays in appeals and misinterpretation of NSFAS progress guidelines. Some of the issues resulted in student protests, some of which turned violent, resulting in the suspension and arrest of some students.

Full report on Sunday World site

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