The death of a mother who was trying to get her child registered at the University of Johannesburg, has been met with shock and sadness.

Such a tragedy indicates the lack of preparedness of institutions of higher learning to take new students. This tragic death is the lowest point in the quest for higher education in South Africa. The fact that students and their parents spend nights in queues in order to be admitted shows the lengths people can go to receive quality education.

We would urge government to build and expand institutions for higher learning and for the learners to also apply on time to prevent such congestions. The building of institutions for higher learning in the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga should be prioritised.
Lastly, we express our sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased. We hope that her death won’t be in vain but will spurn the powers that be to build more institutions and create access to institutions of higher learning.

ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat