Unkept promises by campus officials have leaked to students of at least six campuses and have now led to mass action.
Should the promises also not become a reality, things could turn nasty soon.
This is what three students told the Record on Friday morning 26 July outside the Roodepoort South West campus after they were instructed to go home, after a group of students from the Dobsonville campus dressed in what looked like Cosatu uniform arrived at the Roodepoort Campus with one purpose only – to stage mass action. Although the name of the union in question is not yet known to the Record, it was said that this is only the beginning.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) were present throughout the mass action, however students were sent home.
The Record was informed of the reason for the mass action by three students waiting for alternative transport outside the campus premises.
“Campus officials made promises regarding our bursary money and transport allowances.
“Most students never received this which is why students are saying “enough is enough”. It is the first time we heard about this. If the money is not going towards us, where is it going then?
“The union, which is on our side continuously asked officials, ‘why are you lecturing when other campuses are striking?’ This is why some of them left, absolutely in fear.
“We are actually terrified of lecturers’ safety.”
Another student told the Record, “The aim of the union is to gather as many students as possible to form a big ‘army’ and strike together until we get what we want”.
The group of students who led the strike that morning was not larger than 20 students, but many on campus believe that another bigger action will be planned.
Other issues mentioned by students on campus were that there is no organisation at the campus and a clear textbook problem.
There is also an allegation that the current campus manager is not qualified for the position and that the students want its current principal out of office.
