27 October 2016 Update: Classes remain suspended - The court-mandated mediation process has not yet been concluded. As a result, classes at NMMU remain suspended. In a short note the NMMU Said; "The mediation has reached a point at which the issues mediated need to be presented at a mass meeting, which the FMF movement is arranging for 26 October. Classes will remain suspended for the day." Soon after the notification from NMMU the NMMU Fees Must Fall movement re-issued these demands via … [Read more...] about #NMMU Classes remain suspended today
#FeesMustFall
NMMU Looking for YOUR Support
A volunteer campaign to support Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) students in completing their academic year – Support4NMMU – is being launched today. A massive effort from the extended NMMU community will be needed to help almost 27 000 students complete their studies to graduate or progress to the following year, if the present disruptions on some of the university’s six campuses continues. After a four-week of shutdown, followed by a week of serious interruptions as the … [Read more...] about NMMU Looking for YOUR Support
Countdown to Shutdown ticks away #FeesMustFall
The NMMU has suspended classes again for today saying; "The court ordered mediation process is to continue today, Tuesday 25 October. As such, classes will be suspended for a further day, in order to reach essential agreements. "In the meantime, the provisional academic recovery plans that are underway are being finalised. More concrete plans to complete the 2016 academic programme will be communicated to all by the end of the week. "We sincerely apologise for sending this message so late. … [Read more...] about Countdown to Shutdown ticks away #FeesMustFall
ANC is failing in the handling of the #FeesMustFall student crisis – Mulder
"The ANC government is currently failing in its handling of the student protests because it is trying to be both a government and an activist liberation movement at the same time. To be both is, unfortunately, not possible, Dr. Pieter Mulder, leader of the FF Plus, says. Dr. Mulder says an example of this is the comments on 20 October by Zizi Kodwa, ANC spokesperson, in which he criticised the police by stating that they should not use rubber bullets against students during violent protest … [Read more...] about ANC is failing in the handling of the #FeesMustFall student crisis – Mulder
Trying again – NMMU Teaching to resume 25 October 2016
In a statement released this morning the NMMU says that in keeping with the official mediation process ordered by the High Court and in efforts to restore normalcy, the university has been engaged in protracted negotiations with the student leadership. While reiterating that the University remains open, we acknowledge that the mediation process is now at a critical and sensitive stage. Therefore, we deem it necessary to suspend teaching activities planned for Monday, 24th October 2016 in … [Read more...] about Trying again – NMMU Teaching to resume 25 October 2016
“#FeesMustfall” Fantasy destroyed in 9 minutes
Watching this United States student being ripped by the interviewer made me realise that we could be onto something by offering a cultural exchange with United States Students #FeesMustFall students who just don't seem to get the 'proper way' to demonstrate or articulate their protest as this interview by Neil Cavuto with 'Million Student March' organiser Keely Mullin demonstrates. Time to book that plane ticket to Africa Keely - let our South African students show you how to protest and … [Read more...] about “#FeesMustfall” Fantasy destroyed in 9 minutes
#FeesMustFall Students: Prepare to have your dreams shattered
The communiques coming from the University are not encouraging for those who had hopes of completing the 2016 academic year with Acting Vice-Chancellor: Dr Sibongile Muthwa saying; "What was supposed to have been an exciting return to academic activities to complete the 2016 year after a four-week shutdown turned into what has to be the worst week in NMMU’s 11-year history." Various initiatives from business to find off-campus venues run the real risk of placing well meaning benefactors and … [Read more...] about #FeesMustFall Students: Prepare to have your dreams shattered
Can you help with these #NMMU support initiatives? #FeesMustFall
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber said yesterday that it agrees that there are fundamental challenges in the tertiary education system in South Africa. The Business Chamber however does not believe that these challenges should be solved through the current unacceptable level of violence and destruction at the country’s universities. As a business community the NMBBC believes the completion of the academic year at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) to be a national … [Read more...] about Can you help with these #NMMU support initiatives? #FeesMustFall
Stonings on Campus
The NMMU released this statement earlier today: The main springboard for the student attacks is from the Madiba Shirt area and has moved from the back of the university towards the front of South Campus. Police are on the scene. North Campus has been secured. At least eight cars have been stoned. Traumatised staff and students are encouraged to make use of the counselling services available at North Campus’s HR Department. Cars should not enter South Campus for now. Editor: In my … [Read more...] about Stonings on Campus
Another voice from PE on the #FeesMustFall impasse
Writing for the Daily Maverick, Port Elizabeth based Ian von Memerty - a well known entertainer, actor, singer, musician, writer, director and television presenter says: I confess to feeling depressed, doubtful and dented. But I suppose that is only natural, when our futures are no more than ping-pong balls that are smashed between the political players of our country. I want to leave the powerless land of the plebs for the land of “absolutely!” Should a student with academic … [Read more...] about Another voice from PE on the #FeesMustFall impasse
Inside Men talk about the more Human Face of #FeesMustFall
Amidst the lashback from people around the #FeesMustFall movement by members, observers, parents, students and security forces the real original reasons for the rise of the movement are being clouded by opportunistic violence. When it comes to the media there is only one rule; "If it bleeds, it leads." This is an unfortunate truism that ensures the public will read an article even if readers protest most vociferously that good news is their preferred diet. With that as a background the … [Read more...] about Inside Men talk about the more Human Face of #FeesMustFall
#Feesmustfall, Brass Bells and the Pain of the Taxpayer
A few days back, I made a short presentation on some of my recent work to a, polite audience at the newly renovated Tramways building. To be honest though, the small group of architects, historians and academics had mainly come out to hear from my colleague, Professor Albrecht Herholdt, with whom I shared the stage that evening. You see, Professor Herholdt, is one of our region's finest architects and he spoke that evening on the fantastic work that he and his team is doing with the MBDA to … [Read more...] about #Feesmustfall, Brass Bells and the Pain of the Taxpayer
NMMU #FeesMustFall Update – 19 October 2016
The following statement was released by NMMU earlier today: In light of the confusion around what is presently happening on our campuses, it is important that we remind ourselves how we got where we are as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). For four weeks during the shutdown Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) engaged with different student formations around various demands in a bid to resume the academic programme. We were presented with six demands – all of which … [Read more...] about NMMU #FeesMustFall Update – 19 October 2016
One Simple Move that would make #FeesMustFall succeed
At the end of the day the #FeesMustFall movement is an expression of desire, an opinion expressed by young adults battling to make sense of being thrust into a chaotic world. Free education is a noble ideal and a strong rallying cry in any quest for votes and power. But, we need to be questioning why we as parents and leaders have allowed the hope of our country to fall into anarchy and lash out at the very womb that seeks to make their lives better. Where did we fail in allowing our … [Read more...] about One Simple Move that would make #FeesMustFall succeed
Staff and student update
Staff and student update: SIX students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) have been arrested to date this morning. This follows various incidents across the University’s South and North campuses. At South Campus, stone-carrying students entered the main Embizweni building where they intimidated staff in their offices. They also disrupted classes. There were also reports of incidents of stone-throwing in the students’ confrontation with police. When the group was … [Read more...] about Staff and student update
