Tuesday 24 May 2016 21:52
SABC
Blade Nzimande is attending meetings with North American universities and foundations in the US.(SABC)
The Higher Education Minister says the country's university system is largely functional and blamed fringe element for protests and violence on campuses - that he believes could be linked to a broader political agenda.
Speaking exclusively toSABC Newsin New York on the sidelines of a series of meetings with North American universities and foundations, Dr. Blade Nzimande has urged law enforcement assisted by a majority of students and communities to isolate and deal with those intent on creating chaos on campuses.
The Minister has also rejected criticism of the timing of his US trip. He says it's a work visit, with the aim of forging partnerships with American institutions to develop the country's University Capacity Development Programme.
"What is really exciting about the trip thus far is that, for instance, around Washington DC and the neighbouring states, we met with 15 universities in one room and they committed to form a consortium to actually have partnerships with us; and that we jointly go and look for resources. Some of the resources that were potentially identified would be US companies that have got operations in South Africa to be able to assist."
The delegation is seeking student mentorships and exchanges that include Ivy League institutions, capacity development for existing academics who lack PhDs and curriculum transformation, for example around the green economy.
But on the question of unrest on South African campuses, Nzimande has condemned the destruction of property and violence.
"As things stand now, our system largely is functioning; students are back in class, others will be starting examinations soon - the midyear exams - and all that. We are quite confident that the system is fairly stable at the moment."
The minister is, however, unable to commit to whether university fees will go up next year or not. He has also dismissed the possibility of political elements at play in student protests.
"We think also that there is a political agenda which is linked to the fact that there is local government election. We have gotten information that this element also wants to use the 40th anniversary of the June 16 uprisings as another platform to try to campaign for the elections or there is a fringe that also wants to destabilize our country."