At a regular meeting of deans of faculties of Theology at South African universities the following statement was released pertaining to the current student unrest on the #FeesMustFall issue:

1. Universities are institutions of critical thinking and therefore we appeal to all parties involved to engage in rational debate and discussion. Emotional reactions resulting in verbal abuse and destruction of property will not be helpful in resolving the issues at stake. It is a sad irony that in the month we cherish our South African heritage, our academic heritage is under threat.
2. Studying at an institution of higher education is extremely expensive, but at the same time a gateway to a professional career. The ideal situation will indeed be one where promising young minds will be able to study at university without the obstacle of fees that are beyond the reach of many. However, we have to deal with the reality of the limited resources available in our country that is faced with many challenges. We therefore appeal to all parties involved to find a balance between what is the ideal situation and the realities of what is attainable.
3. Theological values such as righteousness, fairness, compassion, reconciliation and peace to which almost all will agree, may serve as guidelines for meaningful debate on resolving the issue. Where possible and with great care, safe spaces can be created where strong emotions, such as anger, can be expressed in a meaningful way.
4. Maintaining the high standards of South Africa’s institutions of higher learning is of paramount importance. If universities fail to deliver highly qualified graduates, our country will suffer grave consequences for generations to come. In the recent past the position of all South Africa’s top universities dropped on some of the international ranking indexes.
5. We therefore urge the government to make sufficient funds available to universities to maintain and even improve their current performance in teaching, learning and research with regard to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Prof H L Bosman (Acting Dean of Theology, University of Stellenbosch)

Prof J Buitendag (Dean of Theology, University of Pretoria)

Prof S D Snyman (Dean of Theology, University of the Free State)

Prof F Viljoen (Acting Dean of Theology, North-West University)