3 August 2010

The Sunday Times Newspaper has revealed that in a snap survey eight out of twelve universities indicated that that they would be "implementing stricter admission criteria" in 2011 for first year students due to a high failure rate amongst first years. 

Reacting to this news Mkhuleko Hlengwa, National Spokesperson of the IFP-aligned SADESMO, said: "We have serious reservations about the tightening of admission requirements simply because they act as a blanket exclusion mechanism, which systematically excludes learners from previously disadvantaged and now presently disadvantaged communities. The reality of the matter is that it is going to be black learners who will bear the brunt of these requirements." 

These new requirements are largely premature particularly when discussion on the matter is still pending.  

Hlengwa noted that "at the higher education summit earlier this year this matter was discussed, and the conclusion we as SADESMO understood was that dialogue would be ongoing until a workable solution is arrived at, simply because there are broader issues and dynamics involved in this matter." 

"We are of the view that entrance requirements should be standardised so that no potential student is placed at a disadvantage. It seems that former white universities are dead-set on closing the door of opportunity to the masses of our people. Moreover, the option of a four year degree must be made available in order to accommodate and assist learners to cope with university life in its entirety," added Hlengwa. 

In conclusion Hlengwa said: "We are committed to quality education and we are also committed to access to education - both these commitments are important and we should therefore strike a holistic educational balance. We will be writing to the Minister of Higher Education regarding this matter because of the serious implications it has on the educational and developmental discourse of our country. Universities must stop being selfish and adopt a student-centred and student friendly attitude which is currently shockingly lacking." 
 

* Statement issued by Sadesmo *

Contact: Mkhuleko "Leko" Hlengwa
SADESMO National Spokesperson
on 083 871 2711 or 073 1667 904.