constitutional tribunal of the university of pretoria · 27/03/2019 · jacobus cordier src...
TRANSCRIPT
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
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CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
Minutes of the First Quarterly Student Forum held on Thursday, 14 March 2019 at 17:30, Centenary 6.
1. PRESENT:
SRC EXECUTIVE:
NAME
David Kabwa SRC President
Thuli Zulu SRC Deputy-President
Thabang Pikoko SRC Deputy-Secretary
Phenyo Montsho SRC Treasurer
Jacobus Cordier SRC Facilities, Safety & Security
Matthias Shunmugam SRC SSC
Thabiso Thoka SRC Academics
Rameeza Abdool Sattar SRC Academics
Mahlatse Kgapula SRC Marketing, Media and Communications
Mxolisi Zondo SRC Transformation & Student Success
Lebohang Masiteng SRC RAG
Thabang Sepuru SRC Student Culture
Thulaganyo Kole SRC Study Finance
Tinashe Dutuna SRC Postgraduate & International Student
Affairs
Nyasha Chinembiri SRC Residences
Diokeng Seshweni SRC Residences
CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL:
NAME:
Mpho Mogadime Chief Justice & Chairperson of Student Forum
Ashleigh Laurent Registrar
Rebecca Hill Deputy-Chief Justice
Marno Swart Judge
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
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TUKSFM & PDBY:
STUKU:
NAME:
Micaela Almeida STUKU
Varushka Moodley STUKU
SSC:
NAME:
Zarreen Mangera SSC
Millicent Tshabalala SSC
RAG:
NAME:
Sphiwe Sgudla RAG
Keabetswe Mosoma RAG
FACULTY HOUSES:
NAME: FACULTY:
Lloyd Madiguane Law House
Megan Loots NATHouse
Christina Welgemoed NatHouse
Natasha Chapman House Humanities
Marcel Selepe Health House
Kamogelo Mokgae Health House
Bongumusa Shabangu House Education
Aidan Lawrence House Education
Sibusiso M. Mthembu House Education
Tjar-Lize van der Walt House Theology
Tsakisa Guambe Commercii
Zonke Makaul Commercii
Maolikgetla Jessica Commercii
RESIDENCES SUB-COUNCIL:
NAME: RESIDENCE:
Sibo Chamane College Chairperson
NAME:
Shaun Sproule PDBY Media
Sam Makwane PDBY Media
Sibabaiwe Nyangime TUKSFM
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
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DAY HOUSES:
NAME: DAY HOUSE:
Danessa Pretorius Luminous
Jessica Motau Docendo Day House
SOCIETIES SUB-COUNCIL:
NAME: SOCIETY:
Paseka Geiola The Street Store
Sanele Mngonezulu The Street Store
Lebogang Malepe ACTS
Bradley Tjongarero UNASA
Meshach Benjamin Shofar
Kamva Ndlala Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
Chibuike Daraojimba Nigerian Student Society (NSS)
2. OPENING AND WELCOME BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE
CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL, MPHO MOGADIME:
- The Chief Justice of the Constitutional Tribunal is hereinafter referred to as the
Chairperson.
- The Chairperson welcomes all members present. He explains the Constitutional
mandate of this meeting, that he will preside over the meeting and the manner in
which the meeting will be conducted inter alia points of order, rules, questions
etcetera.
- The Chairperson read from the notice, as attached to these minutes as Annexure
1, regarding the Student Forum meeting procedure. This power is derived from
section 43 of the Constitution for Student Governance, hereinafter referred to as
the CSG, to explain the procedures, calling members to order and the authority of
the Chairperson.
- The Chairperson explained that no question or statement shall exceed the time
limits duly stated (3 minutes).
- Further, he explained that members who render themselves to misconduct, may
be asked to leave by the Chairperson.
3. APOLOGIES AND CONFIRMATION THAT QUORUM HAS BEEN MET:
- The following had sent apologies, with valid excuse, for not attending Student
Forum:
NAME: FACULTY/CAPACITY:
Londiwe Makhubu SRC Day Students and
External Campus Affairs
Ryan Haines SRC Secretary
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
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- Regardless, in accordance with the CSG, the Chairperson and Registrar confirmed
quorum had been met.
Point of Order:
- A student rose on a point of order, asked that comrade Diokeng come and sit with
the other members, and not sit with the SRC in front, pending his investigation.
- The Chairperson asks for any material reason / evidence.
- The student reaffirms his request, because Diokeng is facing internal disciplinary
action. Thus, he feels that he should not sit with the other SRC members.
- The Chairperson asks the SRC member if he would prefer to sit with the members,
he declines. The Chairperson then ruled, that the member may sit in front with
other SRC members.
- A second student from SASCO requests that Diokeng sit with the students. He
asked whether the Chairperson is protecting the member.
- The Chairperson requested that students raise their hands when trying to address
the Chair.
- Inaudible.
4. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA BY THE CHAIRPERSON:
- The Chairperson confirms the agenda as printed.
5. MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED:
5.1 PRESENTATION OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL REPORTS BY
THE 2019 SRC PRESIDENT, DAVID KABWA:
- The President welcomes all the students who are present, on behalf of the SRC.
He stated that his role is to address the members.
Point of order:
- A student stated that it is psychologically derogatory to have the SRC Member
(Diokeng) sitting in front.
- The Chair stated that he had already ruled.
- The student who rose on the first POI lamented, once again, about how the
member (Diokeng) should sit with the students. States that ‘innocent until proven
guilty’ is not supposed to be heard, instead that they know that the member is
guilty.
George Kaloianov SRC Societies
Penny Ngobeni EBIT
Marle Oosthuizen EBIT
Nabeelah Rajah OPVSC
Sarah-Olivia Nunn OPVSC
Marne Swanepoel Luminous Day House
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
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- A fellow student next to him and member of the EFFSC also requested Diokeng to
sit with the general students in order to allow the proceedings to go forward.
- The Chair then ruled all the SRC members must sit among the students.
- Inaudible.
- Another member of the EFFSC raised to object against the Chair’s ruling, saying
that the request was only for Diokeng.
- The Chair asks the House to respect his ruling.
- Inaudible.
- The President proceeded.
- He Spoke about the placing of students in the Elim church, residences, hostels etc.
Currently 27 have been placed in residence, 4 in private residence.
- The SRC had mad provisions for food from the CRC and Pick ‘n Pay he explained
that food that was donated was rotting by the time it made to the students. SRC
immediately reacted and ensured students were given fresh food.
- On the 8th February 2019, the SRC hosted the SRC of the NWU who were invited
to better understand complexities, presentations were given by the Office of the
President, Office of Societies etc.
- An emergency mass meeting was called to address several issues, the minutes of
which have been posted on the notice board.
- The outcome of this mass meeting was that the SRC had successfully negotiated
key issues and recommendations were made.
- There was a Critical Thought Seminar with the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
- The SRC arranged for 11 students to attend the Gauteng Legislature, to view the
workings of a portfolio committee.
- Accommodation discussions, negotiations have been ongoing with several
stakeholders including, successfully, with Campus@Edge, Studios@Burnett, The
Hive etc. and continue until today.
- He spoke of the Back2Varsity campaign, from January until March. R20 000 was
donated for these students, with the help of Tuks FM. Will be distributed through
the office responsible.
- The SRC has gone through great trouble to ensure that students were not evicted
from private accommodation due to NSFAS funding that is lacking.
- The President explained that The SRC, through the office of the Secretary, is busy
making SRC more visible. Been in contact with Michael Botha, to encourage
student wellness. Still ongoing.
- The SRC have been granted a ClickUP page, to ensure more information to be
readily available to the student body.
- He spoke of the Treasury, budgets have been set up for the portfolios. On the 1st
March, Treasury traced and collected money in ‘lost’ cost centres, for study aid.
- The Office of Study Finance are addressing historical debt. They assisted 143
students, negotiated on their behalf. R1,2 m has been pledged to address historical
debts.
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
6
- SRC aid fund has been suspended, SRC P made additional arrangement with UP
management. 115 students were confirmed to be assisted through this funding in
R3m.
- Inaudible.
- On Societies, marketing week took place. The Piazza was booked and received
tables and chairs. Arrangements have been made to facilitate marketing on other
campuses. The marketing programme ran for 2 weeks. All equipment was rented
and returned on time. Over 130 societies made use of this over the two-week
programme.
- On STUKU, more engagement was created on social media. This was done in
liaison with the transformation officer. Multi-culturalism was also emphasised in this
regard.
- InSync concert was held as a welcoming for all first-year students. All
performances were monitored beforehand. There was a general increase of 7,1%
in attendance and for the first time, societies were allowed to participate.
- UP’s Got Talent, done in collaboration with RAG giving the students the opportunity
to showcase talent. This was done in a secure, accessible venue on campus. It
attracted a large audience.
- On the Office of Student Sport. The President claimed that they were very active
and involved. He also spoke of Varsity Cup Rugby.
Point of Order
- A student rose on a POI he wished to correct the President in that it is UP Rag and
not TUKS Rag.
- The President conceded and thanked the member for the point.
- On the Office of Transformation and Student Success, a survey was drafted to
check the resources. They found that several resources are available, but not
known to students at UP.
- On the Office of Day campus students, visibility on external campuses was
emphasised. On Mamelodi, students raised a variety of issues, including buses
and aircon in lecture halls. He stated the importance of the Green Routes and that
a Quantum will be made available, after hours, for Mamelodi and Sunnyside based
students.
- On the Office of Facilities, Safety and Security; cafeteria was looked at with regard
to the availability of cell phone repair services or an optometrist.
- The library hours have increased on Prinshof.
- A call has been made for a pedestrian gate at main gate. Thus, allowing students
staying in Brooklyn to exit without issue.
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
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- On the Office of Academics, several students were assisted in the registration
period. They have created surveys to better monitor the output of student
administration of various facilities.
- On the Office of UP RAG, students have been helped with registration in
collaboration with the office for academics.
- RAG of Hope Day was successful as over 7000 students attended, proceeds were
raised for various charities and awareness raised.
- On the Office of Residences, they have been liaising with TuksRes for students
who were on waiting lists.
- Many students were accommodated by this office.
- On the Office of Marketing, media etc, an Instagram account was set up, currently
with 500 followers, to assist with better communication.
- TuksFM was also used to raise awareness.
- Facebook has increased with 1500 new followers, and 780 new likes since
November 2018.
- The President assured students that, the full report will be made available on the
website. This was merely a summary.
- Applause.
- The Chairperson stated before calling the treasurer, he apologised for not stating
why certain SRC members are not present, they are writing tests and will come
through later that evening.
5.2 2019 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL BUDGET AND FINANCIAL
REPORT BY THE SRC TREASURER, PHENYO MONTSHO:
- The Chair called for the Treasurer to deliver the Budget for 2019 and Financial
Report for the quarter.
- The Treasurer greeted everyone and asked whether he was audible in the back.
- He started with their plan of action: SHAFT- Safety, Health, Accommodation, Food
and Tuition.
- The Treasurer explained that the model of allocation is same as 2018, this is still
being undergone. 23% of finances will go to faculty houses and day houses,
inaudible… 28% will be given to societies.
- Inaudible, 14 cost centres that exist, has R 21 700 inherited. Will be moved to
SNAP.
- The Treasurer stated that the SRC-budget for 2019, a total sum of R 439 900 has
been allocated to the portfolios. None of which has been spent.
- The allocation is as follows:
- The Presidency has been given - R20 600;
- Deputy-President has been given - R 20 600;
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
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- Secretaries - R19 600;
- Treasurer - R22 600;
- Transformation R 18 600, as well as Post-Graduate office;
- Academics 1 given R18 600; Academic 2 given R6 600;
- Security and Safety R20 600;
- Day students are given R 20 600;
- Marketing R100 000;
- societies R19 600;
- Student culture R11 600;
- Residences (1) R10 600; and Residences (2) R 6 600;
- RAG has been allocated R11 600; as well as the office for Sports an amount of
R11 600.
- Point of Order
- A student asked the Treasurer to reread the amounts but to speak louder and to
go slower.
- The Treasurer agreed to do so.
- The Treasurer explained that there would be R84 100 is in reserves. He explained
that a reallocation will be done mid-year.
- On the point of fundraising, at this point of time a proposal has been made by the
SRC. There are 10 events planned for fundraising.
- At this point, societies are still being registered. R48 764 is left in the cost centres
of all the societies. They will be allocated amounts in April.
- Constituencies are still being reviewed and then will be allocated. Specifics will be
provided once finalised.
- The Treasurer stated that that concluded the budget.
- Applause.
5.3 QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION (QUESTIONS SENT TO THE DEPUTY
SECRETARY 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STUDENT FORUM):
- The Chairperson explained that the session shall be split into 3, firstly questions
received, second follow up questions, third, will depend on time and is at the
discretion of the chair.
- Only 3 questions were sent 48 hours before, the Chairperson will read the
questions and the answers were to follow thereafter.
- Question 1: How can semester tests continue, without money allocated to
textbooks?
- Question 2: International Students out of the SADC region must pay double as
well as a levy, why is this so? UP wants to better the education of Africa, but only
draw the wealthy. Why are students outside SADC reason treated to harshly?
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
9
- Question 3: Firstly, students who wish to ensure the university transforms,
requested a student parliament. This proposal seeks to open up dialogue, no
matter their race, class, sex etc. Inaudible. What is your take on creating a student
parliament? Secondly, with the students of faculty houses failing to address
appeals and financial exclusion, the student recommends that the SRC organises
a dialogue between the student populace and the VC. Should be organised in the
second quarter. What is the plan to solve student exclusions?
- The Chairperson calls the SRC member for Study Finance to answer.
- She greeted the house she explained that she has engaged with Professor
Duncan, to allow for catch up sessions. Will have a meeting with all the deans in
this week, so that catch up sessions could, possibly, be arranged.
- Follow-up question: A student asked for clarity they wanted to know will we be
allowed to re-write / marks adjusted etc?
- The SRC member explained that we must understand this is not only for semester
tests, but also assignments. With regard to semester test, it is still open whether or
not the tests will be re-written or if the second semester tests will only count.
- Negotiations are still underway.
- The Chair called forward the portfolio for Postgraduates and International Students
to answer the second question.
- The SRC member stated that SADC has an agreement to support each other in
every way. On research, most universities in South Africa have similar policies.
The University of the Free State has an agreement with 2 countries outside of
SADC.
- He explained that he was going to do more research and engage others for a
possible solution.
- The Chairperson called on the President to answer the final question.
- The President thanked the student for the questions. He stated that he remembers
reading the questions with appreciation for the level of engagement. He reiterated
the question on the Student Parliament. Assumes that it should be more inclusive.
- He spoke of the Student Forum being inadequate.
- The President explained his answer as follows Student Parliament was
implemented at a stage. Students did not feel it was useful / helpful. They could
not identify with the political space of the student parliament.
- States that he is not supportive of the idea of a Student Parliament, but he invites
students to engage with him on this.
- He reiterates Student Forum is not an effective process of keeping the SRC
accountable.
- The President reread the second question.
- He found out that submissions can only be made to council in the first sitting. Finds
this problematic.
- Inaudible.
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
10
- Reads the recommendation given by the student. States that he really like the idea
/ recommendation. Would like a full scope and hopes to engage with the student
who posed the question.
- The Chairperson opened the floor for follow-up questions on the questions posed
48 hours before.
- The Chairperson noted a hand, the student rose on a point of personal privilege
and asked that the aircon be turned down as it was cold.
- The President went to sort this out.
- The Chair noted another hand. The student asked the SRC member for Study
Finance, how will the process for those who do not have textbooks be undertaken,
is it only for NSFAS students or if not who?
- The SRC member stated that concern was only raised by NSFAS students. 9 000
NSFAS students, raised this issue to Vice-President of Academics (Professor
Duncan). Process will only be discussed with the Deans in due course.
- The question has been answered.
- The Chairperson noted another hand, the question was directed at the Treasurer,
the student stated that the marketing portfolio is ‘useless’ why he is allocating more
money to marketing than for example RAG who ‘actually does something’.
- The Treasurer stated that Marketing also does the uniforms, they based it on
2018’s budget. He explained that he only allocated half the amount to Marketing
than last year. RAG was given the same budget as last year.
- He stated that Marketing also uses money for fundraising.
- The Chair recognised a third hand. The student asks if there will be chance for
direct questions. He further questioned the President as to what CSG amendments
have been made. The same student stated that the Treasurer lied, marketing funds
were doubled not halved. Marketing was only ever done on main campus. The
student reiterates that marketing gets too much money.
- The Chair asked the SRC who would volunteer to answer regarding the question
about CSG amendments. The Deputy-President volunteered.
- She explained that around the 3rd of February 2019, CSG amendments were
made, to be proposed to council. There were more than 8. One, establishes an
appeals board under section 36A, DSA sits there currently without the
Constitutional Tribunal, as well as adding another Law Faculty lecturer and two
judges of the Tribunal. The second spoke to the violation of election rules. Currently
a disciplinary hearing is made, they wish to give discretion to IMB to investigate.
The third amendment speaks to a clause about the amendments of the CSG, two
thirds must be of entire SRC and not quorum. In total made 10, she apologises, as
they do not have all information regarding CSG amendments.
- The Chair asked if question was answered, member agreed.
- Inaudible.
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
11
- The Chair opened for the second round of questions. A student asked the
Treasurer why he did not disclose the amount spent for the gazebo. He asked if
the Treasurer was keeping secrets.
- The Treasurer stated that the SRC have acquired a gazebo, banners etc. They still
need money for other things. He said that he did explain there is a mid-year
budget, if he feels too much money was given, he may move it.
- The Chair asked if the student was satisfied, he replied in the negative.
- Another student asked the Treasurer when drawing up a budget, how did you
decide to allocate that amount? Were the numbers thumb sucked or?
- The Treasurer replied no, each portfolio budgeted. He said that the student may
go to the Treasurer’s office and get the numbers / documents.
- Inaudible.
- A question was directed at the President. The student stated that he (The
President) sprung a number of R 20 000 000 on us, found out that this money was
not a bursary, but a loan. Why did you hide the fact that this was a loan? Students
taking loans to pay loans. The money was there to prevent students from taking
loans.
- The Chair stated he would take 2 more questions before allowing the SRC the
opportunity to answer.
- Inaudible. Residences have meetings that are compulsory, and there will be
punishment if not attended. Will there be amendment with regard to students
moving out every recess?
- The Chair recognised the next student. The student directed a question to the
Study Finance Officer. She explained that she (The student) is not sponsored by
NSFAS, and also has no textbook, what about her?
- The Chair now allowed the SRC to answer the questions posed. First, the
Treasurer was called he stated that he is not keeping any secrets that he knows
of. About the gaps, he asked the question. Societies will have their cost centres
drained. Inaudible.
- The Chairperson calls the President to answer the question.
- He explains the R20 000 000, R13 000 000 was for undergraduate students,
R7 000 000 was for postgraduate students. The R 7m is an allocation since
January, in terms of a bursary.
- The R13m, inaudible. Majority students were students with historical debt, so it was
done in terms of loans. All students were made aware of what they are signing,
before they signed it. UK7: Why did you (P) not state to the students that it was a
loan and not a bursary?
- The Chair askes the student to repeat his question for clarity.
- The President stated all of the money was not a loan, he was later made aware
that the financial assistance included a loan.
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
12
- The student wanted to know if the President knew of this before or after the mass
meeting?
- The President stated that he knew only after the mass meeting.
- The Chair calls the SRC member for Study Finance.
- The Study Finance office explained that one of the duties of her office is to ensure
there is study material. SRC has a mini-library, she will order the books on behalf
of the students. So, the students who came to see her, who were not NSFAS
students, were assisted. NSFAS students were the majority.
- The Chairperson asked if her question was answered, she said yes.
- The Chairperson opened the floor for the next round of questions.
- A student directed his question to Study Finance. The appeals for NSFAS students
are still open, they will only find out in June. What about them, as they cannot afford
textbooks either?
- A student rose on the issue of day houses, first years want to participate, but there
are fees for Day Houses, and they are too high. One Day House was like R400.
What is being done to address these high costs? His Second question spoke to
meal costs. Mid-year the student’s meal accounts were depleted. They get bread
and soup. Raises question to Residences member. Is there a strategy to address
this?
- The Chair stated that these questions were entirely knew and as such he moved
these questions to the third section.
- The Chair recognised a new question. A student, who posed the third written
question asked the President if the second part of the written question be
answered, it was not answered.
- The Chairperson recognises a new question. The question was posed to the office
of Study Finance, the student explained that the SRC member for Study Finance
is introducing this catch-up mechanism, is it practical? People come up with
solutions to calm students, but it cannot be implemented. Again, what about the
students who are not NSFAS students? It was the student’s opinion will not be
implemented.
- The SRC member for Study Finance was called by the Chairperson.
- The Study Finance officer explained that NSFAS is the reason for this catch-up
session was only to NSFAS, because they are the masses. There was no surety
about the appeals. Students should come forward to the SRC and raise this
personally.
- The student felt that the question was not answered. What will happen to the
students whose appeals do not pass and are then not covered by NSFAS?
- The SRC member reiterated that these students should personally approach the
SRC to be assisted in regard to books.
- The Study Finance member explained that the catch-up session refers to semester
tests and sick tests. Maybe some of these students will be allowed to write the sick
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
13
tests, as a second chance to write. Catch-up does not mean being re-taught.
Perhaps a system can be put in place relating to assessment only.
- The student thanked her for her clarity. He further asked if she was sure that
NSFAS would have dealt with the crisis by the time catch-up system comes in to
play?
- She explained that they will have the materials by that time as in accordance with
the memorandum.
- The student, concerned, stated presume that the problem is not solved. What will
happen then?
- She replied that she is unsure of sick test programmes and how they work in each
department. She said sick tests are only at the end of the semester.
- The student reminded her to not look at one faculty only. Be present and represent.
- The Chairperson called the President to answer the question.
- The student reiterated that the wrong question is being read.
- The President found and read the question, Faculty Houses are failing to address
issues of academic exclusions and the appeals. What is the President’s plan of
action to address this?
- The President explained pertaining to Faculty Houses and academic exclusions:
In 2018 he was Humanities Chairperson. He explained that the biggest issue he
faced was that he did not know how. He had to question everybody, administration,
SRC, the Ship etc. Only through experience did he learn how to address these.
The President believes a good long-term solution is a proper hand-over. Meaning
outlining how the processes work, in detail. He emphasised early intervention.
- When looking at financial exclusions, he has no long-term solution. He explained
that we must deal with the immediately. He explained we need to address the
academic exclusions, to negate financial exclusions.
- The Chairperson decided to take another round of questions.
- A student asked the Chairperson if they can combine follow-up questions and
additional questions, due to lack of time?
- The Chair said no, he would rather end off with follow-up questions.
- The Chairperson noted new hands.
- The head of House Education asked if they can get statistics on how many students
did receive assistance for clarity.
- A second student posed two questions the first question was to the President and
the second was for the SRC member for Facilities, Safety and Security. The
student explained that in an interview the President said the update to the language
policy was great whilst the SRC member for Facilities, Safety and Security said it
is “rubbish.” What is the stance of the SRC on the language policy?
- A final question was posed to the SRC member for Facilities, Safety and Security,
what happened to the green route?
- The Chair stated he would allow the first question as it was a follow-up and will
move the last two to the additional question section.
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
14
- The Study Finance Officer stated that 143 students were assisted and that there
was no bias for one faculty. It was based solely on financial need.
- The student asked for clarity, she wants to know how many students of each
faculties were assisted.
- The SRC member explained that there are no statistics of this nature, but she could
compile them.
- The student stated that her concern was that the education students could not
come to the SRC personally, as they were busy with their practical’s.
- The President added to this in that they did not take into account which faculties
the students came from, but with time we can relay that information. You warned
us in November requesting for allowing the students who could not make it in
January. He requested the Study Finance officer to gather the information of the
faculties.
- The student was satisfied with this answer.
- There were no further follow-up questions, the Chairperson decided to move on to
the next round of questions he stressed the importance of submitting their
questions 48 hours before Student Forums.
5.4 ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS (AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE
CHAIRPERSON):
- The Chairperson stated that some new questions were posed in the follow-up
section and will be answered now.
- On the issue of Day Houses and joining fees, relating to this, to the President’s
knowledge he knows of one Day House that does make provisions for students
who cannot afford this, the others do not. We can engage more on this and address
this.
- On the language policy, the President stated that he takes full responsibility for the
confusion. The stance of the SRC is that we are in favour and in support of the
policy. That is the stance of the body.
- The President went on to policy changes. The 50% policy, as an SRC they have
continually engaged on policy changes. This would be a big change. The President
will call on the help of the Tribunal in the complexity to address this. It has been
noted.
- The SRC member for Facilities, Safety and Security stated that he did not express
that I was against the policy, he only expressed his concerns that the reasons given
were the best route to take.
- On the issue of the green routes, they are working on the green routes, with CID
and SAPD. There will be a prototype to test and then sent to other campuses.
University security still needs to provide him with a date to present to them. Have
had a lot of issues with the Department of Security responding to e-mails. He
wanted to have the meetings done by next week, for the green routes.
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
15
- The student sought clarity regarding the language policy he said that the entire
interview was upon language policy. It came from the SRC. Why did facilities speak
on this and not transformation? The student’s problem is with the reasoning and
not the policy. He asked what is the SRC’s stance, and David said they support it.
Are you not opposing that what the SRC and the university is saying? Further, why
was he expressing your personal opinion in an SRC blazer?
- In response the SRC member stated that they invited him personally. The SRC
has several mandates from students. As an SRC we are not one person with one
view point.
- The President sought to provide clarity. The invite they received, he believes, they
looked at students on the list. They invited the president and then looked for the
most Afrikaans name and invited the SRC member in question. Media wanted a
good story, that is why they invited us. It was the President’s suggestion to go in
their uniforms. This was a mistake on his part.
- The Chair sought to take another round of questions.
- A student stated that he is not surprised by the stands of the SRC member for
Facilities, Safety and Security. The student explained that at the SRC camp he
made it clear that he is a ‘pathological racist’. I need clarity, is the residences full
or not? Provide clarity.
- The Chair explained he is only allowing one question.
- A student proclaimed that the Chairperson was out of order.
- The Chairperson moved on.
- A student wanted to know what is the Plan of Action for each and every member
of the SRC? What does the Academic portfolio do? He asked that everyone answer
what they are doing.
- In answering the abovementioned the SRC member for Residences stated that as
far as she knows no one is moving out during recess. TuksRes says that the
amount that you pay is calculated on the amount of days that you stay in res. She
will check into it. The cultural shock thing, it is a very big challenge that cannot be
remedied in one year. All the house fathers, etc have been addressed. All traditions
have been stripped out. A lot of residences are facing disciplinary action for
continuing with the traditions. The other question about food prices. What
happened was that food prices went up by 8,8%. The amounts have not been
increased. A survey is being circulated. We want to stretch the R14 400 to last as
long as possible. We are looking at meal plans from other institutions to see what
we can change. UP is the only institutions start their funds at R16 000. She says
she cannot make any promises. Residences are full. What happened is that
students who were placed do not move in. Everyone that has come to my office,
has been placed in the vacant positions.
- The Chairperson asked the student to whom was the questions of POAs raised?
The student replied to all of them.
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
16
- The President stated that they will make the POA’s available on the website.
Bearing in mind the suggestion. The President will avail himself. He explained that
he knows more or less what is going on in all the POAs and will be willing to
address.
- The student repeated the second part of his question. He wanted to know what the
Academic Portfolio does after March?
- The SRC member for Academic stated that they do assist students on day-to-day
issues. Students have issues. They are working on a survey currently. She also
stated that she is willing to send their POA.
- The Transformation sought to also answer a question he thinks that the common
mistake that is always made, is that we are there to have events. He would
concede, no events have been done by his office. When they speak of
transformation, they cannot do things the same way before 1994. His office has
identified in the previous year, the issue was the resident placement policy. It
prioritises people who have 75% or above. Better rooms are reserved for 80% and
above. He has been engaging with the stake-holders to address this. The
Transformation Officer stated that they have started drafting a document, the Chief
Justice can confirm this. Another issue of his portfolio is not only transformation but
also student success. Student success can stem from other issues, like financial
issues. We prioritise the students that are ‘academically flying’. Those are the few
things he has been doing. He implores the house to think of his portfolio as
something that leaves a legacy.
- The Chair opened the floor to the last round of questions.
- A student had a statement to the Study Finance Officer she said that the catch-up
system is not going to work. The deans will not allow it, they are going to be very
strict.
- Another student wanted to know why Kwena’s face still on the website?
- The final question was posed to the SRC office of Academics. According to the
memorandum of student’s command in February 2019. The student sought clarity,
on the deadline. Certain departments turned away students, will they be advised?
The Economics Department does not allow sick tests.
- In answering the abovementioned the Study Finance officer said that saying that
the Catch-up session will not work is speculation. It was well received.
- The SRC member for Marketing stated that the website was updated, however,
they have not yet received their pictures. That is yet to be updated.
- In response to the final question the SRC member for academics replied by
explaining that she was aware of the Departments of Economics and Tax and
Statistics. She has emailed all departments, she has emailed Professor Duncan
and CCed the HOD. As soon as she receives feedback, she will let the student
know. Relating to sick tests, she did email the HOD of Economics, if she does not
get a reply, she will email Professor. Duncan and get back to the student who
posed the question.
Chief Justice: Mpho Mogadime | Deputy Chief Justice: Rebecca Hill | Registrar: Ashleigh Laurent | Senior Judges:
Kelsey Lorentz, Neo Mokoka, Tebello Mosoeu | Judges: Janice Geel, Nicholas Herd, Nicola Irving, Jade Konig, Hee-Rak Lee, Thato Maruapula, Simon Motshweni, Thiavna Subroyen, Marno Swart, James van der Meulen
17
6. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
- The Chairperson asked the SRC if they had confirmed a time for the Second
Student Forum, and they had not.
- The date, time and venue will be announced in due course.
7. CLOSING:
- The Chair concluded by thanking those who attended, he encouraged students to
submit their question 48 hours before, as he cannot guarantee that he will allow
questions next time.
- STUDENT FORUM ADJOURNED AT 21:02.
Minutes done and compiled by the Registrar of the Constitutional Tribunal: Ashleigh Laurent for any information/queries please email : [email protected]