MESSAGE FROM THE

VICE-CHANCELLOR

Dear colleagues,

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As expected, the year has started with a number of challenges – in particular regarding student registrations and fees. But the biggest challenge so far is undoubtedly the violence and destruction of property on the Mafikeng Campus, leading to the suspension of all academic activities on that campus.

 

I would like to appeal to the staff members on the Potchefstroom and Vaal Triangle campuses to stay calm and continue with your normal activities. Let us not be distracted from our focus on high-quality teaching-learning and research, the core activities of any good university.

 

What happened on the Mafikeng Campus is not an isolated incident - the university sector as a whole is in crisis and therefore the situation needs to be addressed on a national level. In this regard, I am in regular contact with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, and also with Universities South Africa.

 

On Friday, 26 February, Universities South Africa issued a joint statement from the vice-chancellors, principals and rectors of universities in South Africa on the violence and disruptions at our universities.

 

In this statement they condemned all acts of violence, criminal acts, damage to property and behaviour that impinges on the constitutional rights of others. They also denounce external parties that aggravate divisions between our students and staff.


I fully agree with this statement. I also agree with their viewpoint that we are obliged to take the necessary steps to protect our staff, students and property, and that in the event of violent protest action, the perpetrators should be identified and brought to justice.

 

An example of our own university’s resolve to take action against anyone who disrupts the activities of the NWU or brings the good name of the university into disrepute is the suspension of the former president of the Campus Student Representative Council, Mr Linda (Benz) Mabengwane.


Our hearts go out to our colleagues on the Mafikeng Campus and through the NWU’s Wellness4U, we have offered counselling services to all staff who may have been traumatised by the recent events.

 

Let us remember that we are a unified university – something that is also an important principle of our new strategy. Let us stand together, keep on doing what is right and take the university forward.

 

We should carry on normally, as we have important work at hand. Apart from focusing on our core business, we also have to implement our new strategy.  I want to appeal to you to participate enthusiastically in this process. Let us unite in our efforts to re-imagine our shared future.