AfriForum Youth rejects the decision of the University of Pretoria (UP) and TuksRes to rename the UP hostels and hostel passage ways.
Werner Beineke, Spokesperson for AfriForum Youth’s Tukkies branch, says that AfriForum Youth has received various complaints and requests from hostel residents since the announcement of the decision by Prof. Themba Mosia. According to Beineke, the main concern of hostel residents is that university management does not put student interests first and simply succumbs to political pressure.
“There is tension on campus because of the UP’s pro-English language transformation policy. These name changes are adding fuel to the fire. Student are scared that the University will target or suspend them if they oppose the process. AfriForum Youth was therefore approached to act on behalf of these hostel residents,” Beineke explains.
AfriForum Youth is currently involved in discussions and will soon launch a petition against the planned name changes.