A group of Sandton-based students from the University of Johannesburg was approached by a Sandton Chronicle journalist who wanted to hear their thoughts on the burning of the university’s Sanlam Auditorium.
The building was deliberately burnt down with a petrol bomb. The blaze occurred in the early hours of the morning on 16 May. Nobody was injured.
All of the students had one very obvious thing in common, a desire to be heard. The students have all chosen to be referred to by their nicknames as a result of the sensitive nature of this topic. One of the students said that it is best to remain anonymous to avoid being targeted by any of the other students.
Tisto said, “Well I honestly think it is barbaric that the graduation venue was burnt down. This has not only affected graduation ceremonies and exams scheduled to take place in that venue, but has also affected studying schedules of students who utilise the labs nearby since they are now closed. The persons behind this attack should be locked away for a long time. It is clear that they do not know the value of an education.”
Another student, who wished to be referred to as Alex, had very strong views on the matter. Alex said, “The auditorium which was burnt down due to a petrol bombing is, in my view, absolutely shocking. We are all here to receive a tertiary education, which is a luxury that many people worked so hard to receive.” Alex then expressed extreme anger and asked how any student could feel that they have the right to destroy another student’s right to an education.
He added, “They have put other student’s lives in danger. Instead of allocating money to advance and grow the university, the University of Johannesburg has now been forced to fix the damage done to the auditorium. What were these people trying to achieve, exactly?”
A third student, Cher said, “I am absolutely appalled, deeply saddened and angered by this complete disregard for human rights. They have achieved absolutely nothing except for stealing from the poor and worsening the lives of both current and future students. They are creating devastation and destruction and it is ludicrous.” Cher believes those who are guilty of destroying university buildings should have to apologise to each and every student.
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