President Jacob Zuma has ordered state security agencies, including the police, to take a zero-tolerance “uncompromising” approach towards protesting students that are turning to violence in their fight for free education.<\/p>\n
According to the City Press, citing minutes of a security meeting held by the president this week, government is convinced that students are being influenced by political agents seeking regime change.<\/p>\n
The president reportedly stated that there was an urgent need to bring the violent protests under control before the end of the academic year, and a security plan needed to be introduced.<\/p>\n
According to Universities South Africa, costs to universities as a result of violent protests – including vandalism, arson and other destruction – has shot past R600 million.<\/p>\n
The security directive, seen by the City Press, called for:<\/p>\n
Students have been protesting for free education for the past three weeks – a continuation of similar protest action which took place around the same time in 2015.<\/p>\n
The protests were sparked by a move by Higher Education minister Blade Nzimande, allowing for universities to hike fees in 2017 by up to 8%. As part of the process, government would cover any increases for poor students on NSFAS, and those part of the “missing middle”.<\/p>\n
Students have outright rejected the proposal, and demand free education.<\/p>\n
Protests have turned violent as students regularly clash with police, who have been criticised for being heavy-handed and militant in their approach.<\/p>\n
However it has become increasingly difficult to sort out the peaceful protesters from those who challenge police and university security with rocks, bottles and other threatening objects.<\/p>\n
According to State Security Minister David Mahlobo, taking a hard-line approach towards violent protesters was necessary, as “if we do not do that, this kind of lawlessness is going to continue.”<\/p>\n
“These individuals (violent protesters) are very few, they cannot continue to intimidate our people,” he said.<\/p>\n
You can read the full story in the City Press for 2 October 2016<\/em><\/p>\n Fees Must Fall 2016 protests hit boiling point in Joburg<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n SA students vote to go back to class: #WitsPoll<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Students should protest peacefully and constructively: Zuma<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on protests<\/h3>\n