Admin
18 Sep, 2019
University of Zululand : Vulnerability of Students
The United Democratic Movement notes with concern the vulnerability of students who resides in private accommodations that are not part of the university’s residences and it supports the initiative of students for embarking on a protest demonstration. The students opt to lodge or stay at private accommodation because the university is failing to provide with them adequate accommodation in its residences. They do not have a choice but for them to be near the campus, they have to look for accommodation where ever they can find refuge. In most cases, this scenario compromises their safety. What is more disturbing, these attacks to students by thugs have been going on for decades now, yet, the University has failed to come up with a lasting solution. Other than being attacked, students are being robbed of their belongings while attending lectures at day broad light. The UDM is of the view that the University must come closer to the owners of these properties which are being used by the students and form partnership with them which will among other things ensure that students are always in a safe environment. The University must take full responsibility of the safety of the students irrespective whether they stay inside or outside campus. One of the options that the university may be required to do, is to assess and check whether these properties are fit for habitation of the students. The Management of the University of Zululand cannot abdicate from its obligation of taking care of the welfare of the students. The UDM calls on Vice Chancellor Mrs Xoliswa Mtose to attend to this matter promptly. Parents are sending their children to school for a better future, only to return home heartbroken or dead. Issued By: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
26 Oct, 2017
#FeesMustFall: Students up in arms yet again, when will Government learn?
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is concerned by the #FeesMustFall protests that have, yet again, forced several institutions of higher learning to grind to a halt, and interrupted exams. The UDM expresses sympathy with our students’ plight and we believe their grievances are real, and their demands, valid. What boggles the mind is that, Government and university managements do not learn from experience. These protests have dragged on for far too long; their poor handling of students’ grievances has already compromised more than two years of academic activities. The UDM supports their call for free education, but we are concerned about the loss of academic time and learning opportunities. The cause of this unhappiness remains the African National Congress’ election promises of free education, which it reneged upon. President Zuma has failed to address the problem in the past. He continues to undermine the people, by fighting his own political battles at the expense of a public waiting for service delivery. The UDM is also doubtful that the new Higher Education Minister, Hlengiwe Mkhize, will be able to handle the current crisis. Only time will tell. As in the past, these protests seem to be hijacked by criminal elements. The UDM condemns any damage to public and private property and call on students to not get carried away in the heat of the moment, or be influenced by opportunists who want to exploit the situation. We urge you to take ownership of your cause in a peaceful and responsible manner. The UDM believes education is a stepping stone for democracy. An educated and healthy citizenry is needed to grow and develop our economy so that we are capacitated to eradicate poverty and inequality, and to generate employment. We therefore call on Government and all stakeholders, to swiftly find sustainable ways to solve the education crisis; for if this does not happen, these protests will remain a yearly occurrence. Statement by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
21 Oct, 2015
Police attack against students
Statement issued by UDM President, Bantu Holomisa The brutal attack by police directed against the peacefully protesting students of the Nelson Mandela Municipality University and other Universities in the country, resembles the apartheid government’s response during the mid-1970s to the mid-1980 student uprising against Bantu Education. If one poor student loses his or her life as a result of the police actions, will not be surprised, Marikana has taught us, that even under democracy, a brutal police force is used to suppress the views of citizen. As South Africans, we must join hands and reject the suppression of the Constitution Right of the students, our children, brothers and sisters. We must show the ruling party we will not allow this country to go back to the apartheid days. The current financial crisis confronting tertiary institution and education in general, demands that government, go back to basic and reprioritise. First, the elite projects intended to benefit the ruling elite must be stopped, and redirect those funds towards Education and other important priorities like Health. Whilst these young poor souls are denied quality and affordable education, the pockets of the few ruling party and its elite are lined to benefit from the public purse through elite projects. The kids are still suffering racism, lack of institutional transformation, financial exclusion and now police brutality. How much more should they endure in the hands of a democratic government. This must come to an end.
Admin
28 Oct, 1997
Student turmoil at Parliament
Statement by Roelf Meyer The incident where students voiced their grievances from the parliamentary gallery, displayed a crudeness and an unacceptable lack of discipline that the UDM repudiates in the strongest terms. This is exactly the kind of counter-productive and repellent behaviour which actually does a disservice to the cause of the perpetrators. What is true, though, is that Government should heed the cultural needs and problems of communities in South Africa. This incident was about the perceived nonchalance from Government to enforce the constitutional rights in this case of the Afrikaans language. Government should do well to listen to the voices of all cultural communities and to see to it that their rights are scrupulously guarded. The notion by any cultural community of expressing themselves in political terms, however, is unfortunate and one that does not bode well in a multi-cultural country. Cultural expression is a group activity, but any attempt to form a political grouping around cultural unity, is an alienating process which does not serve the cause of the cultural group or the interest of the country.
