constitutional tribunal of the university of pretoria · 27/03/2019 · jacobus cordier src...

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



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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



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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



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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



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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.



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- 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.



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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;



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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?



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- 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.



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- 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.



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- 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.



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- 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



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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.



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- 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.



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- 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.



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.



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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]

constitutional tribunal of the university of pretoria · 27/03/2019 · jacobus cordier src...

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