Pretoria – Government has extended condolences to the family and friends of an employee of a private security company, who worked at the University of the Witwatersrand.
The campus worker, whose identity has not been revealed, fell ill after protesting students released a fire extinguisher at Jubilee Hall residence last week.
The students started protesting against the proposed fee increase following the pronouncement by Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande that universities could decide on fee increments for 2017, provided they were capped at 8%.
Government Communication and Information System Acting Director General, Donald Liphoko, said it was unacceptable that a worker lost their life in the name of social protest.
“Government has made every effort to address the concerns of students and to stabilise the destructive and violent reaction from the students. Government leadership, including the highest office, has consistently called for students to remain calm and raise any issues through the appropriate platforms,” said Liphoko.
Government has reiterated the call for students to refrain from using violent protests when seeking solutions to peacefully address their grievances
“Students are reminded that government remains committed to working towards free post-school education for the poor and working class.
“The work of the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training is continuing and students are urged to allow the process to unfold. South Africans must remember that they all have a responsibility to conduct themselves within the confines of the law and to ensure the safety of all those around them,” said Liphoko.
