Following several student demonstrations, demanding better safety in higher education, Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology has pledged to introduce improvements.
In a recent speech, Mr. Nzimande addressed some of the serious problems with the quality fo construction and student housing facilities. He cited concerns about better safety in higher education.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande is in Durban to address issues of unrest that have recently engulfed tertiary institutions in KZN, particularly UniZulu and DUT. @NkoRaphael pic.twitter.com/OLaQMHZ1af
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 23, 2019
This speech was motivated by the continuous unrest of students from one large tertiary education institutes – the University of Zululand. According to the students, the living conditions in student accommodation buildings are unbearable, and inhabitants are afraid for their safety.
During his speech, Mr. Nzimande also added that the government recognizes the lack of professionalism in some of the construction projects in the country. For him, as for the students, it is inappropriate to house pupils in “shack-like” buildings.
Safety in higher education
The learning environment and safety in higher education are two of the most important factors determining the success of each potential graduate. The fact that some of the students in South Africa are forced to study in an unsafe space, which is supposed to offer them comfort and a relaxed environment is unacceptable.
While countries like the United Kingdom are witnessing an oversupply of student accommodation, with many investors looking to fund student housing projects, the situation in South Africa is not similar.
It is expensive for construction companies to build quality student housing complexes, and the government should be looking into ways to change this.
According to Minister Nzimande, the University of Zululand will now be included in a countrywide student housing initiative set up by the Ministry of Education. Not only that, but Mr. Nzimande confirmed that he has personally confirmed that the head of security at the university will be substituted.
Students’ safety and security should be a priority not only for the government, but for educational institutions as well, and hopefully, the recent student demonstrations will help in changing the status quo.
