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The Gauteng Province United Front welcomes and fully support the call for parents and civil society meeting which will be held at Constitutional Hill on the 22 October 2016, time 2 p.m. We view this as a necessary call at the most difficult time in the struggle for free education in our country.

We have been consistent in our argument that students alone cannot win this important struggle, there is a need for broader support and solidarity. The fact that students this year will not be able to write their examinations is a clear indication that the leadership of this country does not value education and that the ANC government strategy to govern the people of this country instead of people governing the country has failed.

Our message is very clear: should the fees fail to fall this government must fall.

We call all United Front activists and affiliated organisations, and fraternal formations such as faith-based organisations, student organisations, academic associations, trade unions and social movements to be part of this historical initiative whose aim is the achievement of free and quality education in our country.

We further call upon organisations in other provinces throughout the country to embark on similar initiatives in order to be part of the solution to this crisis; a crisis created by short-sighted parliamentarians and managers of the higher institutions.

We call all our faith-based organisations across the country to note that we need prayers but on their own prayers are not enough. It is important to take a leaf from the practical solidarity provided by religious leaders such as Bishop Jo Seoka, Father Graham Pugin and others.

We further say to government and university management that no amount of intimidation, brutality, arrests and bullets will stop this noble cause; the student movement cannot be crushed. The ANC government knows better that the apartheid regime did the same but people forged ahead with their struggle because they knew that victory was certain.

To students we say the arrest of their fellow comrades should be encouragement to them as it is a sign of the cowardliness and political bankruptcy of the current government. The money they use to buy bullets should be used to fund a free education.

Issued by United Front, Gauteng Province