President Jacob Zuma has established a ministerial task team to assist the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande, to normalise the situation at higher education institutions across South Africa as students continue with clamour for free tertiary education.
The task team comprises Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe as convenor, Nzimande, Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Michael Masutha, Police Minister Nathi Nhleko, State Security Minister David Mahlobo, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Home Affairs (Interior) Minister 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 President Zuma in a statement here Tuesday. The president is currently on a State visit to Kenya.
President Zuma condemned acts of violence and the destruction of property at institutions of higher learning and urged all students to return to class while solutions are collectively sought to the challenges of higher education in the country.
He said government reiterated its full commitment to promoting access to higher education for the children of the poor and the working class.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK