In light of the ongoing national crisis within the Institutions of Higher Learning, the South African Union of Students (SAUS) has made a call to shutdown all 26 universities across the country. We welcome and support this call, as the 2021 academic year cannot begin when there are prominent student issues to be addressed. Therefore, we urge the community of Rhodes University to stand in solidarity and shutdown the functioning of the University from tomorrow.
In a meeting requested by the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) today, we discussed how the shutdown will be facilitated. It was decided that from Monday 15 March 2021, the SRC, EFFSC and SASCO would lead the student body into a peaceful protest. We are cognisant of the fact that protesting is a constitutional right insofar as it does not perpetuate violence and harm to others and property.
The shutdown will take place as follows:
• All entrances to Rhodes University will be blocked. This includes walkways. No vehicle or pedestrian will be permitted access onto the university. This will be happening from 06 30AM.
• The specific entry points to be blocked will be discussed in the meeting proposed for 06 00AM; Under The Arch.
• Students without permits are advised to cause a disturbance outside Rhodes University property.
• All social media pages on facebook are to be flooded with posts reflecting the hashtags. The hashtags are: #RUAsenzinex, #NationalShutDown, #Sizofundangenkani and #Asinamali.
• Students are encouraged not to engage in any academic activities. This includes the university’s online platform; RUCONNECTED and ZOOM lectures amongst others. Even if one is ready to start the academic year, this affects us all and we must stand in solidarity with our fellow students.
Students are reminded not to engage in violent acts. The success of the shutdown lies in our peaceful cooperation. We are further reminded to adhere to the covid-19 protocols. These include wearing of masks at all times, sanitizing regularly and social distancing.
Once again, we call upon every member of the student body to support this national movement
#RUAsenzinex
#NationalShutdown
#Sizofundangenkani
#Asinamali
Issued: 15 March 2021/
Contact: Secretary-General, Mitchelle Makokove. E:srcsg@ru.ac.za T:+27 (0) 46 603 7081/7083