Rhodes University vice-chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela has gone an extra mile to ensure needy students performing well academically can keep studying next year by agreeing in writing to stand surety for their registrations.
University spokeswoman Catherine Deiner yesterday said fees would be repaid by students who qualified for help after they graduated.
“Rhodes University is committed to assisting students as they prepare for their end-of-year examinations. We will do everything possible to ensure that our students succeed.”
Deiner said Mabizela’s commitment to stand surety for needy student registration was made at a meeting during the recent #feesmustfall protest.
“The students then put it down on their list of demands that Dr Mabizela must sign a written commitment to his words from the student meeting.”
She said although Mabizela had previously helped deserving students with registration surety it was the first time he had done it in writing.
Rhodes SRC president Zikisa Maqubela praised Mabizela for the commitment.
“The agreement is not national, but specifically with him and it truly is him putting his money where his mouth is.”
Besides standing surety, Mabizela and university management also agreed they would not victimise students involved in protests, there would be a zero fees increase, the international levy for African students would be decreased and standardised, the university would commit itself to advancing the cause of no international levies, and no interest would be charged on student accounts.
Deiner said management had agreed to all five demands.
Studies resumed on Saturday – a day after Higher Education Minister Blade Ndzimande agreed to a zero increase nationally next year – and the first exams are scheduled to begin today.
“Academics have offered extra sessions to ensure that students are prepared for the examinations and to ensure that they will succeed.
“These are done on a class by class basis and where students indicate a need.”
She said deans and heads of departments were facilitating this process.
“The university management agreed to all five ‘internal’ demands that students requested so at this stage there are no other negotiations under way with students.
“Students are readying themselves for the upcoming examinations.”
In a campus-wide update this week, Mabizela said recent protests had been a “momentous” occasion at Rhodes and nationally.
Explaining how it had been an “anxious” time for everyone, he said he was proud of the way the university had emerged from a trying week.
“When one considers the serious clashes that occurred at the Union Buildings, in the parliament precinct and on other campuses, our protest has been largely disciplined, dignified, and mutually respectful.”
He said resolution of the protests by student leaders and management on Friday night would not have happened if the government had not agreed to assist financially to make up shortfalls as a result of demands for a zero percent increase.
“The issues raised by students are legitimate and deserve honest and serious responses.
“Those who have risen above poverty and a crippled school system to gain entry to a high performing university deserve better than financial exclusion.
“We are quick to say that education is a route out of poverty, but our funding structure too often is the barricade on that route.” — davidm@dispatch.co.za
Rhodes head pledges aid to students
University spokeswoman Catherine Deiner yesterday said fees would be repaid by students who qualified for help after they graduated.
“Rhodes University is committed to assisting students as they prepare for their end-of-year examinations. We will do everything possible to ensure that our students succeed.”
Deiner said Mabizela’s commitment to stand surety for needy student registration was made at a meeting during the recent #feesmustfall protest.
“The students then put it down on their list of demands that Dr Mabizela must sign a written commitment to his words from the student meeting.”
She said although Mabizela had previously helped deserving students with registration surety it was the first time he had done it in writing.
Rhodes SRC president Zikisa Maqubela praised Mabizela for the commitment.
“The agreement is not national, but specifically with him and it truly is him putting his money where his mouth is.”
Besides standing surety, Mabizela and university management also agreed they would not victimise students involved in protests, there would be a zero fees increase, the international levy for African students would be decreased and standardised, the university would commit itself to advancing the cause of no international levies, and no interest would be charged on student accounts.
Deiner said management had agreed to all five demands.
Studies resumed on Saturday – a day after Higher Education Minister Blade Ndzimande agreed to a zero increase nationally next year – and the first exams are scheduled to begin today.
“Academics have offered extra sessions to ensure that students are prepared for the examinations and to ensure that they will succeed.
“These are done on a class by class basis and where students indicate a need.”
She said deans and heads of departments were facilitating this process.
“The university management agreed to all five ‘internal’ demands that students requested so at this stage there are no other negotiations under way with students.
“Students are readying themselves for the upcoming examinations.”
In a campus-wide update this week, Mabizela said recent protests had been a “momentous” occasion at Rhodes and nationally.
Explaining how it had been an “anxious” time for everyone, he said he was proud of the way the university had emerged from a trying week.
“When one considers the serious clashes that occurred at the Union Buildings, in the parliament precinct and on other campuses, our protest has been largely disciplined, dignified, and mutually respectful.”
He said resolution of the protests by student leaders and management on Friday night would not have happened if the government had not agreed to assist financially to make up shortfalls as a result of demands for a zero percent increase.
“The issues raised by students are legitimate and deserve honest and serious responses.
“Those who have risen above poverty and a crippled school system to gain entry to a high performing university deserve better than financial exclusion.
“We are quick to say that education is a route out of poverty, but our funding structure too often is the barricade on that route.” — davidm@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos