8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5
“I didn’t come here to die, I came here for my education.” On the night of the 22nd of August, a student was mugged near the Varietas residence with CPS supposedly only being mere meters away. This was the catalyst for a protest held at the Graca laws on the 24th of August, which also addressed the exploitation of UCT staff. By Ernst Calitz Staff Writer
T
he scre e ching of fire alarms filled the Graca lawns and the surrounding area. Students were summoned from their residences by student leadership to join the protest against UCT’s alleged exploitation of staff and its influence on students. Soon after, crowds gathered on the laws and the familiar chants of “Amandla! Aweto!” filled the space. Kumkani Goqoza, the Vice co-chair of the Residence Council and the treasurer of the EFFSC, took center stage as the leading voice of the protests. She lamented: “They don’t give them the right equipment to defend us, despite of what we pay.” She added that some workers are underpaid and must do jobs which they are not paid or equipped to do. “[For instance] If you are here to cook, and there is a blocked toilet, you will have to go and clean it.” “I didn’t come here to die; I came here for my education,” addressed an emotional Guguletu Mnisi. She stated that
stude nts were tired of being “sold plans” by UCT’s management and that immediate action is needed. Adding that the little presence that CPS has remains futile as many security guards are seen being on their phone while patrolling, not taking the job seriously.
She lamented: ‘They don’t give them the right equipment to defend us, despite of what we pay.’”
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While there was a great deal of students at the protest, Anabelle Stevens - whose name was changed in order to guarantee anonymity - noted that she was disappointed in the number of protestors. Stating that there was only a hand full of students from her residence that attended and that no students from private accommodation were anywere to be seen. She went on to say that: “These are
Source: Ernst Calitz
issues affecting all of us, not just the students who make use of dining halls, but all of us who depend on campus security.” Student leaders from the EFFSC called for a shutdown of all dining halls if UCT’s management did not come up with a sufficient solution within 24 hours. A member of SASCO shared their disapproval for the plan of action at the protest. Sparking a heated debate. SASCO proceeded to release a document to VARSITY disapproving of the protest action, stating that “the governance through anarchy seems to be strategically implemented for election season.” Further adding that the shutdown of dining halls would negatively impact students and staff, without a fruitful outcome. This divided political front did not go unnoticed however, as many students voiced their
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disappointment. “You don’t push it on people, you discuss it with your fellow leaders and talk about it somewhere else, but when you’re there in front of people don’t create a divided front. It makes the protest lose direction and throw students off what actions are needed to be taken,” voiced Maxwell Jenkins. The lack of response from management however did lead to the shutdown of dining halls for several days. This resulted in students being supplied with food vouchers. SASCO continued to voice their disapproval, adding that students are sacrificing their academics to stand in long queues in unforgiving weather to obtain food. Some of the names have been changed in order to guarantee anonymity for sources.