The former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela has called on government to listen to the students during the Fees Must Fall protests.
The starting point for negotiations about free education would be for all affected parties to listen to students, she told a gathering at Solomon Mahlangu House (Senate House) on Wits University’s East campus.
“Government needs to help respond to calls for free higher education, as universities cannot do so alone.”
“While some of us were enjoying life, some of you were left behind. There is no time for pointing fingers. Your call for fees to fall is a legitimate one,” she said to cheers.
“If fees must fall, then something must rise”
The meeting between students and Madonsela, Max Sisulu, Sello Hatang, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana and former Cosatu secretary general Zwelinzima Vavi was billed as a “peace accord meeting”.
It was intended to discuss how to end the protests on campuses and discuss free higher education. No Wits University management representatives were present.
The meeting began at the Holy Trinity Church in Braamfontein, next to the campus. Students however said the venue was too small and called for it to be moved to Solomon Mahlangu House.
Wits Vice Chancellor Adam Habib was in the church, but was forced to leave when students said they did not want him there. They said he should have been arrested, instead of former Wits SRC leader Mcebo Dlamini, who was denied bail by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court earlier on Wednesday.
Students sang and ululated to welcome Mandonsela. Some shouted that they loved her and wished she would take charge of the country.
Madonsela thanked students for reminding the country’s elders of why liberation struggle heroes fought for democracy.