President Joins Others in Expressing Condolences on Student Leader’s Sad Passing

President Jacob Zuma said he is deeply saddened by the death of one of the Tshwane University of Technology student leaders, Lesego Benjamin Phehla, who lost his life after reportedly being hit by a car Thursday during the protest outside one of the institution’s campuses.

Advocate Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector, has also expressed her “heartfelt condolences to the family, other loved ones and colleagues of Benjamin Lesedi Phehla. May his soul #RIP.”

President Zuma said: “We are very saddened by the loss of this young life in such a horrible manner. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace.”

The President also emphasised that Government supports the student call for access to education, for the poor.

“We agree that university education is expensive for the poor. We agree that students who cannot afford to pay must be assisted. This is why government has been doing all it can to provide support through loans and bursaries, since 1994. We want to work with students, parents and all stakeholders to find solutions,” he said.

“A Ministerial task team has been established and will engage stakeholders to find solutions, including students. We also urge students and stakeholders to engage the judicial commission of inquiry into higher education funding and make presentations to help the country find solutions. Let us discuss how the goal we all agree on, can be achieved,” said President Zuma.

The President has implored the students to return to class.

“Importantly, students should not lose the 2016 academic year. They should return to class and work with government, parents and other stakeholders to find solutions and we are certain that working together, we can build a great future as we care about the students’ future, we care about them,” said the President.

The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) Student Representative Council (SRC) also tweeted a message, saying: “We mourn the loss of Cde Benjamin Lesedi Phehla an outgoing SRC member at TUT sosha campus. #FeesMustFall”

https://twitter.com/WitsSRC/status/789430180670533632