Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday announced the setting up of a ministerial task team to help normalise the situation at the country’s university campuses which have been rocked by violent protests in recent days.
In a statement, the Presidency said: “President Jacob Zuma has established a ministerial task team to assist the Minister of Higher Education and Training to normalise the situation at Higher Education institutions across South Africa, working with all stakeholders.”
The task team includes Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe as convenor, Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Bonginkosi “Blade” Nzimande, Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Advocate Michael Masutha, Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko, Minister of State Security David Mahlobo Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba.
“We urge all stakeholders including students, university management, parents and religious leaders to cooperate with the Ministerial Task Team to ensure that the future of our children is not jeopardised,” said Zuma.
Government reiterated its full commitment to promoting access to higher education for children of the poor and the working class.
The statement added that Zuma again condemned acts of violence and the destruction of property and urged all students to return to class while “solutions are collectively sought to the challenges of higher education in the country”.
African News Agency