SA universities cock-a-hoop about 2017 academic year

PETER FELDMAN

Universities were asked what advice they would give current students and those wanting to enter university next year with regard to their studies. Should they take a gap year?

Buhle Zuma, senior communications officer at Wits told Jewish Report: “Wits University remains committed to securing the future of our youth, the country and the continent by remaining locally responsive and globally competitive.

“We remain committed to maintaining excellent standards and producing the high level skills required to move the country forward. 

“It is because of this commitment and our beliefs in democracy and the values enshrined in the Constitution that we, under difficult circumstances, continued with and successfully completed lectures in 2016, albeit with the necessary safety and security measures.”

Zuma said it was a difficult decision to make but it meant that they did not lose the academic year. “Further, it means that we have created the requisite space for those who need to join the university in 2017.”

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The university will open for 2017 as scheduled and has developed contingency plans to deal with disruptions and unlawful activities.   

“We continue to call upon all constituencies to work with the university to find lasting solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing the sector in particular. It is only through co-operation and peaceful dialogue that we can resolve the issues related to the underfunding of the sector in the long term.”

Prof. George Euvrard, former dean of the faculty of education at Rhodes University, said they were on track. All the exams have been written and students will be qualifying this year. “We are encouraging students to continue with their studies and we look forward to welcoming new students to the university next year.”

At the University of Johannesburg, a letter was sent to students from the office of Vice Chancellor Ihron Rensburg, who praised them for their conduct during the student unrest. In the letter he also wished them to stay focused on their studies.

A spokesman commented that the University of Johannesburg had not closed its doors for one day and it was business as usual.

Lesiba Seshoka, executive director of corporate relations at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, admitted it had been a difficult, disruptive year, but believed their task was to encourage students to stay on track and continue studying.

The university environment is safe, he feels, adding there would always be challenges but how one dealt with them was the important thing.

“The message is that they must focus on their studies and try to avoid becoming involved with issues on the periphery.”

He believed university students today were in a better position than many of their predecessors. “I never had a chance to study at a university and had to do all my studying at night. Today they have beautiful opportunities to succeed.”

Asked their position on the fiery Free Education issue, Seshoka acknowledged that students have the freedom to march, but said they must not be destructive and destroy property. 

UCT spokesman, Elijah Moholola, said that the University has worked on a restructured programme that will see academic activities proceeding in 2017 as usual.

“The programme includes a mini semester for students in some faculties from 3-20 January, and the deferred exams scheduled for 23 January to 10 February. These will be followed by orientation and registration from 27 February to 10 March, with classes scheduled to commence on 13 March.”

 “There has been no disruptions or incidents on campus for almost three weeks now,” Moholola said. The executive signed an agreement with student representatives on November 6 which UCT views as “a step in the right direction towards the amicable resolution of a number of issues which have been subject to engagements between the executive and student representatives.”

There is no delay in the registration of first year students. They will register on the 6 March 2016 which is in keeping with the times set for registration for the rest of the university.