Varsity violence: Settle soon or we'll all regret it

30 September 2016 - 09:58 By The Times Editorial

Universities are fast reaching a tipping point as the increasingly violent campaign for free tertiary education - marked by arson attacks that have caused hundreds of millions of rands of damage - continues to rage on campuses across the country. For some universities, those at which exams are scheduled to start soon, a decision must be made about whether to continue with the academic programme this year, strive to complete it in December or extend it into 2017.The ramifications of the third scenario will be profound for many students, their families, companies short of skilled employees and the state's health services, in which junior doctors are in short supply.Tellingly, the chaos is occurring while a presidential commission - whose hearings have been boycotted or disrupted by students - is considering the feasibility of free education.Some universities can countenance the violence no longer. There is no place for petrol bombs and gunfire on campuses, or for students to have to go to classes under police guard. Parents, many of whom have made huge sacrifices to get their children to university, need to know that they are safe.Wits University yesterday tried to end the impasse by asking its students and staff, in online and SMS polls, whether lectures should be resumed, with improved security, on Monday.The protesters, arguing that a student assembly should be called, tried but failed to get a court to interdict the poll.A silent majority of students whose voices have been drowned out could well vote for a return to class, confirming suspicions that a relatively small number of militants is holding entire universities to ransom. Equally, a return to class could trigger more violence.Whatever the outcome, fee-free university for all is not possible right now. The economy is floundering and the middle classes are already too heavily taxed. At best, all we can hope for is improved state and business support for students from poor families, through subsidies, bursaries and loans...

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