Department of Higher Education blames #FeesMustFall for arson
JOBURG – Vandalism damage costs at universities stand at R300 million since March.
The Department of Higher Education has blamed student movements for recent incidents of arson attacks taking place in universities.
Director and media liaison officer of the Department of Higher Education and Training Khaye Nkwanyana said that these activities are alleged to be coordinated by the Fees Must Fall movement, Rhodes Must Fall movement and Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC). “We have been informed that this is part of their June month demand for free education by shutting down the system,” said Nkwanyana.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Wits University have in the last weeks gone through arson and attempted arson attacks.
The first incident happened on 16 May at UJ when a fire destroyed the Sanlam Auditorium. Nobody was injured in the fire, but the building was gutted and the damage was estimated at R100 million. Deputy vice chancellor of UJ, Mpho Letlape said that a week before the fire, they found a petrol bomb that burnt one chair in one of the large auditoriums.
Wits University also went through an ordeal when its Law Library was targeted in the early hours of 28 May by two unidentified men. The senior executive team said two suspects carrying gas canisters entered the Law Library through an open window. They were wearing balaclavas, which made it difficult to identify them. According to the executive, the intention of the suspects was to start a fire in the Law Library. Security foiled the attempt but could not find the men.
Nkwanyana said that the damage cost due to vandalism at universities is being quantified from the March figures which stand above R300 million. “We have directed all universities to be on the alert and work closely with police force all the time to protect property, students and staff,” he concluded.
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