Cope calls on Nzimande to help students
BRAAMFONTEIN – Cope’s Dennis Bloem says year after year the higher education institutions become war zones.
Cope says it is not convinced that Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, has done everything in his power to make more funds available to help students pay their fees and find accommodation.
“Cope cannot comprehend how the national executive can use billions, again and again, to bail out poorly managed SOEs such as the SAA, Eskom and others but it holds back in giving our youth a real chance to seize the future by funding them,” said Cope spokesperson Dennis Bloem.
Bloem called on Nzimande to find accommodation and financial support for the country’s needy students.
“He must stop insulting students by sending them to the JSE to look for funds,” he said.
Bloem added, “If the task Minister Nzimande is mandated with is beyond him, he should step aside and let someone else, who is more caring and committed, take over.”
After launching a campaign to raise R1 million before the end of February, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Student Representative Council (SRC) has raised about R2 million.
The students launched the campaign to raise registration funds for 2 788 students who were rejected by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Wits SRC president Mcebo Dlamini said, while they have raised over R2-million, more help is still needed.
Wits SRC deputy president Shaeera Kalla said this amount is just a drop in the ocean, as it will only help half of the students. But it is a step in the right direction.
“The students whose registration fees will be paid with the money we have raised in the campaign have now been given a life line,” Kalla said. ”They will also be freed up to save for tuition fees or to work towards getting a scholarship,” Kalla added.
The campaign is ongoing and will continue through the year.
Donations can be made online via www.witsfoundation.co.za or via EFT.
Details: Benji Seitlhamo 011 717 9707.
