Zuma sets up ministerial team to deal with student protests

President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday established a ministerial task team to help normalize the situation at higher education institutions that have been hit by violent student protests over fee increases.

The team will assist Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande to restore order at universities across South Africa, working with all stakeholders, the president said.

"We urge all stakeholders including students, university management, parents and religious leaders to cooperate with the Ministerial Task Team to ensure that the future of our children is not jeopardized," said Zuma.

The government reiterates its full commitment to promoting access to higher education for the children of the poor and the working class, he said.

Zuma once again condemned acts of violence and the destruction of property and urged all students to return to class while solutions are collectively sought to the challenges facing higher education in the country.

In addition to Nzimande, the task team comprises seven other cabinet ministers -- Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe who will act as Convenor, Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Michael Masutha, Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko, Minister of State Security David Mahlobo, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba.

This came as student protests continued unabated, bringing academic additives in a number of major universities to a standstill.

The latest wave of student protests has continued for weeks since universities were given the green light by the government last month to raise tuition fees, provided that it does not exceed eight percent.

Students are demanding zero-percent fee increase and pressing the ruling African National Congress to live up to its promise to provide free education by 2016. Endit