EFF MEMBERS in Mpumalanga have vowed to flock to institutions of higher learning.
Provincial chairman Collen Sedibe told said that EFF leaders and activists would go to institutions of higher learning across the province to ensure free education is a reality.
Sedibe called on youngsters working in low-paying jobs to join them, as they also qualify for free education.
He said: “We call on our brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts who are being exploited in the job market to seize this opportunity.”
Sedibe said the move was inspired by party leader Julius Malema’s call for matriculants to flood institutions of higher learning. He defended Malema, saying he was speaking in response to President Jacob Zuma’s free education announcement last month.
The EFF’s student command on Wednesday promised that it would assist students to defy university rules and “walk in” to register for the year.
“We will guide students to different registration centres to avoid stampedes and long queues,” said spokesman Magaliso Sambo.
Higher Education Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize described Malema’s remarks as “reckless”.
University of Fort Hare vice-chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu said Zuma made the announcement without informing universities how government would provide resources for free education.
Buhlungu said: “At present, universities are bursting at the seams, are understaffed and have a a shortage of teaching venues and facilities such as computer labs. We have huge backlogs in the maintenance of existing infrastructure.”
