Response to fee announcement

Wits Convocation Executive Committee Statement on Fee Announcement and Student Reaction

1. We understand the undesirable implications that the commodification of knowledge and rendering students as consumers have for education especially for an economy such as ours.
2. We recognise that broader socioeconomic issues impacting on the ability of some students to afford fees are valid and must be addressed.
3. We recognise the right of students to protest, but not by violating the rights of others.
4. We call on government to engage with the private sector and universities to establish a sustainable funding model.
5. We call on Universities South Africa and Vice-Chancellors to engage with all student formations and political parties to agree on acceptable modes of protest, demilitarisation of universities and in return for which there will be no private security and we can collectively and collaboratively make our universities safe places conducive for learning.
6. We unequivocally and strongly condemn any violent actions on campus, including blocking entry and disruption of the academic program and support disciplinary action against perpetrators of violence.
7. It is critical that we ensure universities continue unhindered with the academic program while the leadership of students and universities engage on a way forward on the fees issue.

Professor Kgethi Phakeng
President of Convocation
Issued on behalf of the Executive Committee of Convocation
20 September 2016

Bollywood to dazzle in Sandton

From 2-4 December the Sandton Convention Centre will be awash with Bollywood colour, taste and flavour when the annual Blu Blood Bollywood experience is hosted in Sandton for the first time.

Design, décor and fashion will be showcased at the Mela (shopping festival or gathering - for those of you who were about to google), which will feature 200 unique exhibitors, a kiddies play centre, music and entertainment each day over the 3-day event. From 9am to 9pm every day, there promises to be something for the whole family to enjoy. 

Highlights of the cultural extravaganza include:

3 December 2016 -- Catch South Africa’s Indian comedians in Kings & Queens of Comedy And All’.  The royal line-up includes Riaad Moosa, Krijay Govender, Simmi Arreff and Leeanda Reddy.

Atif Aslam

4 December 2016 – Dance the night away with Bollywood music megastars – Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam live in concert.  Performing all their greatest hits and paying tribute to the music legends of India and Pakistan. They will be accompanied by musicians from India and Pakistan as well as an international dance troupe. 

Sonu Nigam

Tickets are available for Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam from Computicket and Shoprite Checkers outlets. Tickets range from R250 to R5000 with room packages at Tsogo Sun’s range of hotels available. Tickets for the Blu Blood Bollywood Experience will be open to the public shortly.

For general enquiries about the event, please email info@blublood.com