The South African Student’s Congress (SASCO) held a successful National Working Committee Meeting on the 17th of June 2018 at SASCO HQ, Johannesburg. The NWC is the constitutional structure of SASCO charged with the day to day running of the organization and the implementation of the resolutions of the National Executive Committee (NEC). The SG and DSG were informed about the seating of the NWC.
The NWC received and considered a number of reports; on the state of readiness for National General Council and the Court Judgement handed down on 12th of June 2018 and took stock on contemporary issues affecting students. Amongst the key issues discussed are; Students attending court cases.
The NWC received a progress report on students who still attend court cases emanating from the fees-must-fall protest. SASCO will by Wednesday 20th of June 2018, submit a list of students who still attend court cases to the NDPP to consider withdrawing charges levelled against innocent students.
NSFAS
The NWC took a serious dim-view on the reports that about 120 000 NSFAS students are affected by the delay in issuing of allowances. This scathing report suggests that thousands of students wrote their exams without meals, books and housing allowances. The NWC resolved to intensify mass action against NSFAS and the department of higher education in the second semester.
On the state of readiness for National General Council
The NWC received a report on the state of readiness to host the National General Council from 26th of June 2018 to 01 July 2018. The NWC hold a firm view that the National General Council is a correct and relevant platform to resolve all challenges facing the organization, restore its credibility and strengthen its fighting capacity as we draw closer to the second semester. The NWC is satisfied with the progress made and resolved that the NGC will continue as planned.
On the Court Judgement
NWC notes the judgment and accepts that there is a review application pending. The NWC further accept that the dispute between the SG and DSG is unresolved and pending before the court. In the interest of stability and proper functioning of SASCO, the NWC resolved that functions of the secretariat are assigned to the office of the TG pending the finalization of the review application. The NWC further resolved to move all communications to the office of the President as per section 15 (3) of SASCO constitution which reads as “shall issue statements on behalf of the organization and represent it whenever necessary”
Organizational discipline
The NWC has noted a statement making rounds on social media attributed to the Secretary-General Office. The NWC has noted that the statements is unfortunate, in its nature divisive and undermines the core values of collectivism. We appeal to all leaders of SASCO to refrain from using social media platforms to address their concerns and grievances. The NWC resolved that the wisdom of the NEC must prevail on the matter.
SAUS and SAFETSA Conferences
The NWC received and noted the report on SAUS and SAFETSA Conferences schedule. The NWC hold a strong view that SAUS and SAFETSA remain a strategic sphere of influence in the higher education sector. Both SAUS and SAFETSA are a brainchild of the student’s congress as such, these conference’s offer us an opportunity to influence and ensure that the perspective of SASCO on transformation finds expression in the sector.
“Gloom and despondency have never defeated adversity. Trying times need courage and resilience. Our strength as a people is not tested during the best of times.” – Thabo Mbeki
End.
On behalf of SASCO NWC
SASCO President
Avela Mjajubana
Cell: 078 254 8406
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How should a member of Sasco conduct themselves on social media? I view social media as a tool of engagement so should members of sasco engage with the public in sasco or in the public?(should members of the public come to sasco to discuss sasco or should sasco go to the public to discuss sasco)?