*“In ordinary circumstances, contradictions among the people are not antagonistic. However, if they are not handled properly, or if we relax our vigilance and lower our guard, antagonism may arise” – Mao Tse Tung.*
The South African Student Congress (SASCO) converged on the 12th – 15th March 2020 at Booysens Hotel, Johannesburg. This National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was the first meeting post the 21st National Congress that was held at St George’s Hotel from the 7th to the 8th of February this year. The NEC Meeting was preceded by capacity building and induction workshop that was addressed by the Second President of SASCO Comrade Nale Mashapa, former Secretary General comrade Terror Yako, former Secretary General Comrade Vasco Ndebele and former Deputy President Comrade George Magoma. The NEC adopted a programme of action, which is a product of a frank analysis of where we are and what we stand for, is to reshape our battles for the future.
The NEC Meeting received the reports that assessed the state of the sector, its policies that directly impact on the life of a South African student. An honest reflection on the state of the organisation was made by the 21st NEC. True to its revolutionary mantra, the 21st National Executive Committee of SASCO made an honest and frank appraisal of its capacity, ability, strengths and weaknesses in the brutal face of a country faced by daunting challenges.
*On Students Accommodation Crisis*
We are homeless at home, Silal’emaweni in the face of this deadly scourge and the indignity of homelessness, we cry to the nation. The organisation resolved on the need to urgently convene student accommodation and residence summit for all higher education stakeholders. In light of the decision by government to discourage mass travels we implore universities not to evacuate students from the residences, instead they must work hand in glove with the dept of health to screen and ensure that they keep to maximum hygiene, and our students are not exposed.
*On Gender-Based Violence*
Institutions of higher learning are instruments of change and development, not havens of rape. Registered students in an institution deserve academic excellence that is in correlation to institutional policies that protect students. However, victims of rape are left with brutal scars, and that causes emotional breakdown and prohibits academic success.
Some lecturers are no longer shapers of leaders of the future investment but rapists. Right on top of the very tower of institutional autonomy that indemnifies and shields them from prosecution, management are spectators in horrendous spectre of rape. This idleness makes them complicit in the atrocities inflicted on women.
Let us expose them. Fearlessly, As SASCO we shall do so.
In so doing, the National Executive Committee calls upon all students, unions and civil society to join in SASCO’s youth and student March against the mortification and scourge of Gender Based Violence.
We say enough is enough. We call upon societal support in fighting this malady.
We join hands with and call upon all students and youth of the country to join hands in our declaration against molestation and scarring of our sisters and mothers. Wathint’abafazi, wathint’imbokodo!
*On organisational renewal, Unity and Cohesion*
The NEC as charged by the supreme document of the organisation, had a responsibility of appointing the National Working Committee members:
1. Bamanye Matiwane
2. Buyile Matiwane
3. Buthanani Ngwane
4. Vezinhlanhla Simelane
5. Thabile Dlamini
6. Idah Phasha
7. Julia Motsweni
8. Phiwo Ngqunge
9. Ngobe Lali
10. Kelebogile Thulo
After a thorough assessment of the organisation, honest reflection and robust debates the NEC resolved to relieve five structures at a Provincial level from their duties, which are:
• Eastern Cape.
• Limpopo.
• Mpumalanga.
• KwaZulu-Natal.
• North West.
The National Executive Committee being aware of the fact that Free State was dissolved by the 21st National Congress and Gauteng PEC having lapsed had the responsibility to appoint interim-structures, within the two provinces and the Provincial Task Teams are:
Free State:
Convenor: Cde Siyabulela Lufele
Co-ordinator: Cde Mthuthuzeli Bidi
Resource mobilizer: Cde Disebo Mosupa
Cde Malejaha Victoria
Cde Xoliswa Majavu
Cde Kate Mpuru
Cde Khunyedi Kantoor
Gauteng:
Convenor: Cde Phathutshedzo Nthulane
Co-Ordinator: Cde Thabang Masikwana
Resource Mobilizer: Cde Andile Larry Maxam
Cde Zizipho Daweti
Cde Kelebogile Chokoe
Cde Nthabiseng Magongwa
Cde Sabelo Mpangani
The National Working Committee has been tasked to conduct a consultation process within the five provinces with all organisational and alliance structures with a purpose of strengthening the organisation’s fighting capacity and have a united programmatic student movement. Furthermore, the NEC strengthened its operational capacity by co-opting comrade Nkosana Jack.
“Two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retain some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light to wherever it may lead.” Carl Von Clausewitz.
Issued on behalf of the SASCO NEC
For Enquiries:
Bamanye Matiwane
079 026 5759
President
SASCO
Or
Buthanani Ngwane
073 257 5677
Secretary General
SASCO
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