Issued by: Ministry of Education
STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 10 OCTOBER 1997
On Monday, 06 October, a delegation from the University of Fort Hare, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mbulelo Mzamane, visited the Minister of Education, Professor, S.M.E. Bengu, at his Cape town office. The aim of this visit was to brief the minister about developments and the general situation on that campus, steps that are being taken to address the situation, and how this state of affairs has affected the Alice community.
Also present at that meeting were, UFH Chancellor Dr Govan Mbeki, Chairman of Council, Professor Francis Wilson, Director-General for Education, Dr N.C. Manganyi, and Ministerial Policy Adviser, Dr Tebogo Moja.
At that meeting, concern was expressed about the situation at Fort Hare. While condemning and regretting the violence and disruptive incidents that have plagued that campus and crippled the Alice community, the meeting resolved to support positive efforts aimed at transforming that institution.
The office of the minister wishes to assure the Alice community and other stakeholders that on-going efforts to resolve the crisis are being sought within the wider context of the development of the town of Alice.
For further details contact: Khume Kangola Acting Spokesperson for the Minister of Education Tel: (021) 45 73 50 Fax: (021) 461 4788