Botswana students in SA advised against using campus libraries
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday October 30, 2015 15:09
This comes on the backdrop of the ongoing students’ protests against increasing tuition fees in South African universities.
Although the authorities are still grappling to figure out the exact number of Botswana students studying in South Africa, they have advised against using on campus libraries as it might provoke protesting students.
Already four universities: Wits University where the protests began, University of Cape Town, the University of Western Cape and University of North West have been closed.
The students’ protests, which started some weeks ago, came after the universities announced an increase from 10 to 12 percent. However, the protests have continued despite South African President Jacob Zuma announcing a zero percent increase on tuition fees. The protests have affected examinations schedule.
Acting High Commissioner for Botswana in South Africa, Lesedi Thema, said it might not be safe for those who are preparing for examinations to use campus libraries. He said they are monitoring the events on daily basis and in constant contact with the students in South Africa. Thema said although there were those who did not appear in the High Commission’s database because of their failure to register with the embassy, the safety of the registered students was assured. Thema advised private Batswana students who have not registered with Botswana’s High Commission in South Africa to register so that they can also be assisted accordingly.
“People should come and register with the embassy so that when they seek assistance they can be helped,” he said. “Batswana who come and stay in South Africa on private capacities normally do not come to register but we urge them to come forth and do it.”
He however said precautionary measures have been