The Vice Chancellor of Fort Hare University has responded to an e-mail from the MDC South Africa region demanding the re-instatement of 12 students axed from a scholarship programme for supporting the MDC. Below is his response.
Dear Sir/Madam,
It is unfortunate that you have decided to write this email without verifying the facts. The University has nothing to reverse because there is not a single Zimbabwe student expelled by the University of Fort Hare.
The University will deal with any student who has not paid fees in the same manner whether they are South African or international. So far no student has been refused access for this reason. The offering or withdrawal of scholarship or sponsorship by a funder should not be placed at the door of the University.
That is a matter the student and sponsor must address. Please do not drag the University’s name into that. We have, however, a responsibility to inform students of their responsibility to pay if a funder states that they are withdrawing their sponsorship. If the money has been paid the student should have no fears of being asked to pay again.
For your information, all the students you claim to have been expelled are still in our campus and are actually arranging to meet management. They should be preparing for examinations instead of spreading misinformation.
Please fight your political battles without involving the University. We have not barred anyone from legitimately expressing their views. Familiarise yourself with our Ethical Principles and Values which address the issues of freedom of expression and association.
Leave the University to deal with any employee, or student for that matter, who has allegedly breached the rules and regulations of the institution.
We are committed to addressing any genuine concerns students have but we are not prepared to enter partisan battles.
Yours faithfully,
M . Tom
Vice Chancello
