This morning (7 September) representatives of the University Management met with representatives of the UP Student Front to discuss the demands contained in the memorandum that was handed over during the protest march held on Friday, 4 September 2009.

One of the UP Student Front’s demands is that the election of the Student Assembly, from whose ranks the SRC is elected, should be cancelled. The University is of the view that the election must proceed on 8 September 2009. The election processes in the residence, day house and five student service provider constituencies have already been concluded. It is only the election in the faculty constituencies that is yet to take place.

In light of the fact that there are different views (positive and negative) about the current model for student governance, the University Management has decided to create a platform on which the entire issue of student governance can be discussed with all role-players again. Council will be requested to consider nominating representatives to participate in the talks.

The representatives of the UP Student Front were also informed that it is in the interest of student governance as a whole, as well as service to students and the image of the University and its students, that the election scheduled for 8 September 2009 should go ahead.

As regards the other demands in the memorandum, the University Management is prepared to hold further talks with the UP Student Front based on relevant background information in order to resolve the apparent misunderstandings about certain factual situations.

In spite of the undertakings given by the University, the UP Student Front, during this morning’s talks, threatened to try and disrupt the election on 8 September 2009. Despite the said threats the election will proceed and the University will do everything in its power to ensure a peaceful election. The University has alerted the UP Student Front to the possible consequences of their actions.

Students are encouraged to make use of the opportunity on 8 September 2009 to cast their vote in the respective constituencies.

Yours sincerely


Prof CR de Beer
Vice-Chancellor and Principal (Acting)