While Zuma shops in Britain, students riot on campus
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South African police yesterday used water cannons to disperse groups of protesting Johannesburg university students demanding the government provide free tertiary education for the poor.
The demonstrations came only days after violent protests over slow provision of basic services like electricity and water in poor shanty towns around Johannesburg.
With less than 100 days to go before the World Cup, which will put South Africa in the centre of world attention, the demonstrations are providing scenes reminiscent of the apartheid era. The protests are organised by the South African Students Congress (Sasco), the country's largest student movement, which wants members to boycott lectures at nine universities.
Sasco said insufficient government subsidies to universities and difficulties in accessing state student loans deprived tens of thousands of poor South Africans of an education.
Students blocked entrances to the University of Johannesburg campus and police used water cannon on several occasions to disperse the crowds. "The situation is now calm and students and the university management are in discussions," police spokeswoman Julia Claasen said. Similar standoffs have been reported at institutions in other parts of the country. Sasco plans to march to parliament in Cape Town today to demand the government provide free undergraduate education by next year. On Tuesday, one policeman was shot in the chest during protests in shanty towns near Johannesburg over poor living conditions. The policeman was taken to hospital and his condition was judged stable. Eleven demonstrators were arrested.
"We want better lives, development and dignity. Each and every time we voted for the ANC but it seems we are forgotten," said Nicky Khulu, a 29-year-old resident of Orange Farm, a township outside Johannesburg.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments