University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
According to The Citizen, the Wits SRC President, Deputy President and member responsible for projects and campaigns have resigned. According to a statement on the Wits SRC Facebook page, dated 21 August, the reason for SRC President Kefentse Mkhari’s resignation was due to health reasons, adding that “he feels that he can no longer serve students to the best of his abilities”. The statement further added that “The SRC Deputy President, Noluthando Zuma, has also tendered in her resignation owing to her being provided with an employment opportunity she was unable to turn down.” It explained that Obakeng Mulaudzi, the projects and campaigns officer, had completed his studies and, according to the SRC constitution, was unable to continue in office as he was not a registered student.
On 18 August a special meeting was held in order to fill the vacancies. Former secretary general, David Manabile was appointed to the president portfolio, Zamayirha Peter will continue to hold the position of academic officer as well as Deputy President, and Sihle Gili, the media and public relations officer, will be assuming the responsibilities and functions of the projects and campaigns officer.
Rhodes University
According to News24 a man who went missing at sea during a strong current at West Beach in Port Alfred is believed to be a student at Rhodes University. The man was allegedly swimming in the water with two other friends when the incident occurred. According to a statement from National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, “A young man, believed to be aged in his early 20s, was missing in the surf after reportedly being witnessed being swept out to sea.” On 27 August, The Citizen reported that a search was launched for the missing Rhodes University student, further adding that police were investigating the matter. According to a statement by The Oppidan Press, the name of the student who is still missing is Vuyani Sigebenga, a Bachelor of Commerce student.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
On 24 August Themba Lebone Dubazana appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to threatening to cause an explosion at the Public Protector’s office and the Tshwane University of Technology. On 13 January 2016 Dubazana tweeted that he needed to bomb both the Public Protector’s office and TUT in order to intimidate the institutions. According to News24, the NPA’s Phindi Louw said that police were tipped off by Interpol regarding the matter. The article adds that Dubazana was registered for two courses at TUT and was still not able to obtain a job. Dubazana will be sentenced on 20 September and is currently on conditional bail of R1500.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
On 27 August a 22 year old electrical engineering student was stabbed to death by his roommate. According to an article by EWN, the student was stabbed after he refused to buy alcohol with money he had received from NSFAS. According to WSU spokesperson, Yonela Tukwayo, the perpetrator was also an electrical engineering student from Mthatha. The perpetrator has since been arrested and remains in police custody.
Compiled by: Marko Svicevic
