Representatives of a number of student-led organisations apologised to students affected by the shortage of student accommodation in Stellenbosch after receiving criticism for their handling of a recent demonstration on campus. This was according to one of the students affected, who attended the demonstration in front of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Administration B building on 22 February. The student spoke to SMF News on condition of anonymity.
Students waiting for assistance for administrative issue outside of Stellenbosch University’s Administration A building in the first week of February 2024. PHOTO: Bayanda Gumede
The student told SMF News that they were asked to mobilise support for the demonstration, and that they believed that they were protesting for the university to reconsider the closing of emergency accommodation options, and issues regarding placements. However, a memorandum handed to management by the EFFSC, along with other student leaders organisations, addressed various student issues regarding registration deadlines, student debt, NSFAS funding caps, and a call to “find a permanent solution to the issues of the stranded students”, according to a statement released by the EFFSC on 24 February.
An assembly point sign outside of Stellenbosch University’s Administration B building, where the demonstration was held on 22 February. PHOTO: Bayanda Gumede
“We felt demoralised because it was our only opportunity to be heard and get the university’s attention […] nothing materialised because [the student-led organisations] shifted the focus,” stated the first-year student.
The representatives of the student-led organisations apologised to the affected students at a vigil held on 25 February. “As student leaders, we make mistakes, and we made a mistake by not addressing the most important [people] at the time,” said one of the representatives who also agreed to speak to SMF News on condition of anonymity.
Students and student organisations gathered at the Rooiplein at Stellenbosch University for a recent night vigil during which concerns around accommodation shortages were discussed. PHOTO: Bayanda Gumede
Both the vigil and the demonstration were organised by the student-led organisations, including the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) and the South African Student’s Congress (SASCO) according to Avuzwa Gana, political education officer at SASCO.
“[Students affected by the accommodation shortage] are frustrated and are feeling excluded from the organisation’s side. They feel they are not being represented properly, so I understand their approach,” said Gana, referring to the demonstration on 22 February.