Militancy must not interfere with education – Mchunu
Axed Premier condemns violence at institutions of learning
FORMER KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu has made a passionate plea to the youth of the region to arm themselves academically while pursuing their political activism.
Addressing a lecture at the University of Zululand’s (Unizulu) Richards Bay campus, the Mchunu said there was nothing wrong with young people becoming politically active in institutions of learning, as long as they don’t abandon their main mission, to develop themselves educationally.
The lecture was organised by the Young Communist League (YCL) in the Riot Makomanisi Mkhwanazi District, as part of celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela.
He said the youth of today could learn a thing or two from Nelson Mandela’s life, who was once young and militant but also disciplined and educating himself.
‘Militancy must be accompanied by a great deal of discipline. We don’t expect you as students to vandalise and burn the buildings of institutions of higher learning. That’s not militancy, it’s ill-discipline and anarchy.
‘Even if there are ideological conflicts in your deliberations with university management, resorting to violence can never be accepted.
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‘We were once students of Unizulu and were very active in student politics. I for one had a run in with the university management in my time as a student, because I was very outspoken on issues affecting us as students.
‘As a result I could not complete my degree here since I was expelled. I completed my degree through UNISA.
‘I even remember that when I needed a testimonial from senior management, which would have allowed me to be admitted at UNISA, they wrote: ‘You can take Senzo Edward Mchunu at your own risk.’
‘We did all the spadework for you, as we were fighting against the regime of the time. The new agenda now is for you to excel in your academic studies.
‘Madiba was also correct in saying you must use education as the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’
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