Afriforum concerned over ANC’s disregard for academic freedom

Rentse Khiba

11 November 2015

Afriforum has expressed great concern over the way in which the ruling party increasingly subverts the principles of academic freedom.

This after amending legislation on higher education has unexpectedly been laid on the table at parliament last Friday.

According to Alana bailey, deputy CEO of Afriforum, the acceptance and implementation of this bill will put more control in the hands of the MEC of Higher Education and Training, which may result in the interference in all spheres of the functioning of tertiary institutions.

Bailey noted that the Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande has interfered in University management on several occasions in the past and has made many remarks that have caused grave concern about government’s commitment to academic freedom.

“Should the minister obtain more power in this regard, debating will be smothered in favour of submissions to government which will mean the end of the democracy.” Alana Bailey said.

Afriforum has taken a stand against this bill and requests government to withdraw it, Bailey concluded.