Afrikaans students stand up for the preservation of Afrikaans on UP

18 February 2016

AfriForum Youth and thousands of students today stood up against the demand of the EFF that Afrikaans should be removed from the campus of the University of Pretoria (UP). AfriForum Youth today submitted a memorandum to Prof Niek Grove, registrar of UP. After the submission, members of the EFF became violent and members of the police had to be called in. A member of AfriForum Youth was assaulted by the EFF.

After all UP students had been invited to attend a general meeting about the review of the UP’s language policy, Afrikaans students also showed up for the meeting. However, members of UP’s management and the EFF refused these Afrikaans students access to the meeting.

AfriForum Youth supports their members in the cause of assault brought this afternoon against Amla Mingose Nagih, an EFF leader at the UP. Members of AfriForum Youth were assaulted with various weapons.

“Considering the vast number of students who showed up here, it is evident that Afrikaans remains important to thousands of student. Prof Grove gave AfriForum Youth the assurance that we will soon be invited to a meeting to state our side of the matter,” said Morné Mostert, AfriForum Youth’s National Coordinator.

The EFF also disrupted many classes. Some classes were locked to protect students and other students were threatened, while racist remarks were made against Afrikaans students.

“The EFF’s actions clearly shows that the organisation is not interested in cooperation or talks. Afrikaans students should stand up for their rights now,” said Mostert. 

Statement issued by Morne Mostert, National Coordinator: AfriForum Youth, 18 February 2016