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Media Statement: Victory for the Realisation of the Right to Further Education
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Thursday, 11 March 2021
Today, 11 March 2021, the High Court in Pretoria made an order in the matter between the EFF Student Command v Minster of Higher Education and Others, to which the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) was admitted as an amicus. This matter concerned a directive issued by the Minster of Higher Education for the University of South Africa (UNISA) to reduce its first-time student intake for the year 2021. As a result, UNISA accepted only 38 000 students, shy of the anticipated 58 000.
Thursday, 11 March 2021
Today, 11 March 2021, the High Court in Pretoria made an order in the matter between the EFF Student Command v Minster of Higher Education and Others, to which the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) was admitted as an amicus. This matter concerned a directive issued by the Minster of Higher Education for the University of South Africa (UNISA) to reduce its first-time student intake for the year 2021. As a result, UNISA accepted only 38 000 students, shy of the anticipated 58 000.
The Commission found this position to be inter alia an impediment to the realisation of the right to further education, and approached the Court to be admitted as an amicus. The High Court today agreed with the applicants and the Commission. The Court ordered that the decision by the Minister and the UNISA be reviewed and set aside. The implications of this decision are wide and far-reaching, but primarily this decision is an important first step in dealing with the many challenges and huddles confronting South African Students.
To this effect, the Commission is overjoyed at the prospects of thousands of South Africans enjoying access to higher education. The Commission will engage government to ensure that the right to further education is progressively realised on an urgent basis.
Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
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