EFF members suspended after Wits SRC debate
BRAAMFONTEIN - The Exco of the Council of Wits University has released a statement announcing the suspension of students, following the disruption of an SRC election debate held earlier this week.
“This [the disruption] goes against everything that Wits stands for. The University has always said that it will respect freedom of expression and create a space in which this right is safeguarded, in line with the provisions of our Constitution. This right was violated this week,” said Brian Bruce, deputy chairperson of Council University of Wits, in the statement.
“The Vice-Chancellor is mindful of the importance of student governance and is therefore allowing the elections to continue with increased security,” Bruce continued.
Bruce said that in light of the evidence, the majority of the Council Exco, excluding the SRC, had concluded that it is in the best interests of the University that the recognition of the Wits EFF as a society at the University be withdrawn. “We would welcome the EFF reapplying to establish itself as a duly recognised Wits club and society, as and when it is willing to acknowledge its role in preventing a free and fair election environment, be held accountable for this, and continue to operate within the rules and procedures of the University. This application must be made through the SRC to the Council and must be ultimately approved by the Council.”
