The South African Student Congress held its 5th plenary session of the 19th National Executive Committee at Nutton House Mpumalanga Province from 22-23 September 2017.
The meeting received a detailed political update, organizational update and financial update discussed and resolved on some organisational, political, international and socio-economic issues affecting students and the society at large.
The NEC Meeting condemns in strongest terms the arson and torching of CPUT by criminals masquerading as revolutionaries. No form of anger that lead to such barbaric acts, burning of the institution is backward and undermines the gains we have made as students since the Democratic breakthrough.
We call on all law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to book. In the same vein, also we call on all student leaders to continue the negotiations with relevant stakeholders and find amicable solutions to this matter.
Socio-economic status
The NEC notes and welcome South Africa’s escape from a self-created technical, economic recession. The NEC is concerned about the manipulation of the rand to settle political scores.
The NEC noted the worrying recent statics that shows the majority of South Africans live in poverty. This sad reality is caused by the stagnant economic growth which results in unemployment and widening inequality. We are disturbed by this stats because we understand that amongst the unemployed there are graduates.
The NEC resolved to support and lead the Hire Graduate Program. We call upon the government to find means to stimulate the economic growth as envisaged in the NDP to address unemployment and subsequently address poverty.
The NEC is concerned about the corruption in the state-owned institutions and calls upon the government to be decisive against those who are found to be active participants; we believe the establishment of the state of capture commission will bring the matter to its finality. Informed by this, we support the COSATU march on state capture and call for the speedy implementation of the State capture Commission as resolved by the ANC and its alliance.
We call upon the government to cancel all its contracts against KPMG and further investigate this auditing company for corruption.
On Higher Education
The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to the free quality education struggle. We note the progress made thus far to address access in our institutions both TVET and Universities. We remain adamant on the need to change the curriculum content to be in-line with government vision of addressing unemployment.
We note and welcome the ANC NEC lekgotla resolution on giving grants to prospect students whose family income combined is 150 000 pa. We, however, note that government has not pronounced on the matter.
Fees Commission report
The NEC notes that the President of the republic has received the report by the end of August 2017, we are satisfied that the President has had ample time to study the report. Therefore the NEC resolved to call on the President to release the report by the END of September 2017 failing which a course of action will be taken.
On organizational matters
The NEC reflected deeply on the achievements and challenges that confront the organization since its establishment in September 1991; we resolved to strengthen our ideological work to build a new cadre capable of defending the organization and its revolutionary mission.
On SRC Elections
The NEC congratulates provinces on the SASCO victories scored on the number of institutions across the country, this victory comes as result of selfless efforts and commitment from our members and activist. This is the living testament that students believe that SASCO, is the only organization that is better placed to speak on their behalf. The NEC resolved to draft an accounting manual for all our deployees.
The NEC also resolved to draft a single manifesto emanating from common issues on the ground. We resolved to beef up our campaigning strategy to be in line with the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Misconduct
The NEC remains intolerant to ill-discipline in the organization; all our member ought to act within the accepted discipline in the organization. The NEC has strengthened the National Disciplinary Committee and further instructed to investigate cases of ill-discipline presented in the NEC.
Road to National Congress
The NEC is satisfied with the report presented on the state of readiness to hold the 20th National Congress. The National Congress will be held from the 7th -11th of December 2017 at Nelson Mandela University George Campus. Guidelines will be circulated.
The NEC wishes all students best of luck as we approach the examination period.
Thank you.
Issued on behalf of SASCO NEC