STATEMENT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA ON EDUCATION
27 September 2016 / For Immediate Release
The MCSA at its 127th Conference, meeting at the St Georges Hotel in Pretoria, expressed grave concern at the crisis situation currently characterising tertiary institutions in South Africa.
“We as the MCSA support the call for accessible quality education for all and hold the view that the current funding model for all education needs to be revised as a matter of urgency,” said Bishop Zipho Siwa, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.
We note with some disquiet the rapid deterioration of relationships between government, students and Higher Education authorities linked to the “fees must fall” protests and the seemingly unrequited student demands.
“We however do not support wanton destruction of property and are not happy with the purported violence that is allegedly been meted out against protesting students by security companies hired by the tertiary institutions at exorbitant cost.”
In a bid to be part of the solution, the MCSA proposes to host a national 2 day Summit on Education with all affected stakeholders to develop a clearer, informed understanding of all the issues and partner towards a concrete programme of action that will contribute to sustainable resolution of this challenge.
We affirm the work already being done by the church in particular the ministry of presence and encourage others to get involved too.
We continue to pray for the Higher Education systems in the 6 countries (Mozambique, Lesotho. South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland) in the MCSA Connexion.
Released on behalf of
Ziphozihle Siwa
Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church of Southern Africa
