In a nod the depth of the crisis it finds itself with‚ the University of the Witwatersrand note that a General Assembly “is an extraordinary event‚ convened on only the gravest of occasions”. “In the history of Wits‚ there have been only 10 congregations‚” it noted in a statement‚ and Friday’s has been called with an “aim to unite all constituencies in a joint stance on an issue of national importance‚ in this case focusing on access to quality higher education”. “Most of the former assemblies‚ aside from the last two‚ were in protest against apartheid legislation or activities.” Friday’s General Assembly is hoped at ending the disruptions to the academic programme which has been suspended in the wake of fees protests.It listed the others‚ in chronological order:- April 16‚ 1959: The 1959 declaration of the University’s commitment to remaining free and open.- June 8‚ 1972: The university’s statement on the minister of justice’s prohibition of all protest meetings in South Africa.- August 26‚ 1975: Protest against the detention of students without trial. - May 3‚ 1983: The objection to the Universities Amendment Bill which gave the minister power to impose racial quotas on universities.- August 16‚ 1985: Commitment to the university’s academic principles and the right and freedom of the university to decide who may teach and who may be admitted to study.- August 15‚ 1986: Declaration against the State of Emergency and the detention without trial of students and staff.- October 28‚ 1987: Violation of the institutional autonomy of universities and the restriction of subsidies.- August 5‚ 1992: Call to government to curb violence‚ combat poverty and call for a peaceful transition to democracy. - March 7‚ 2001 - The launch of Wits’ Aids policy and commitment to fighting the epidemic.- September 24‚ 2005: Alumni General Assembly for those who boycotted their graduation ceremonies in protest under the apartheid regime. The programme of events lists this order of speakers: “the chancellor of the university (retired Justice Dikgang Moseneke)‚ chairperson of Council‚ chairperson of Senate‚ chairperson of Forum‚ the president of the Students’ Representative Council‚ the president of Convocation”.“Other representatives may speak at tomorrow’s event – these details are still being confirmed‚” Wits said on Thursday. ..