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S. African president saddened by death of student during protest

Xinhua, October 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

South African President Jacob Zuma said on Friday that he is deeply saddened by the death of a student leader who lost his life after reportedly being hit by a car during a protest over fee increases.

This is the first confirmed death of a student in relation to the ongoing student protests across the country.

"We are very saddened by the loss of this young life in such a horrible manner. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace," said Zuma.

Lesego Phehla, one of the Tshwane University of Technology student leaders, died Friday morning after reportedly being hit by a car on Thursday during the protest outside one of the institution's campuses in Pretoria.

Zuma further emphasized that the government supports the student call for access to education.

"We agree that university education is expensive for the poor. We agree that students who cannot afford to pay must be assisted. This is why government has been doing all it can to provide support through loans and bursaries since 1994. We want to work with students, parents and all stakeholders to find solutions," he said.

Zuma has set up a ministerial task team to engage stakeholders, including students, to find solutions.

He urged students and stakeholders to engage the judicial commission on inquiry into higher education funding and make presentations to help the country find solutions.

"Let us discuss how the goal we all agree on, can be achieved," said the president.

Zuma implored the students to return to class so as not to lose the 2016 academic year.

"They (students) should return to class and work with government, parents and other stakeholders to find solutions and we are certain that working together, we can build a great future as we care about the students' future, we care about them," said Zuma.

South African universities have been hit by a new wave of student protests which erupted late last month after Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande allowed universities to raise fees, provided that it does not exceed eight percent. Endit