They represent different denominations‚ but a group of church ministers who descended on Wits University on Wednesday have one thing in common: to ensure there is there is no more violence on the campus and to go as far as standing in as a buffer between students and the police if violence erupts.
“We are here to play the role of peacemakers. We are concerned about the levels of violence that have been taking place on the campuses‚” said Methodist Bishop Gary Rivas.
Rivas was leading a group of church ministers who gathered in front the university’s Great Hall on Wednesday.
“We are making a call and asking the police leave the campus. That has been the call from the church for the police and private security not to be involved on campus‚” said Rivas.
“Obviously they hold a different view. If the police won’t move off… as the clergy have committed to stand as a buffer zone between the police and the students.
“The church has been very clear that we stand against any form of violence‚” he said.
“The clergy are here to show support to all parties involved. The call for free education is important. We can’t argue against that.
“The students have done their homework. They have made their calculations. They know where the money would come from and all‚ really‚ that is left is for the government side to make a commitment to say‚ ‘look we are working on some figures’‚” said Anglican Bishop Jo Seoka.
“The Vice Chancellor needs to come and engage the students. That’s all they are asking for‚ whether he comes under heavy police presence. They are willing to listen to him.
“He is willing to talk but he wants to meet with the leadership of the students privately‚ but the students say this has gone too far now and want him to address them as a collective‚” Seoka said.
“Part of us coming together today is really to show solidarity with peace. We are not siding with anyone on any argument. We want to be peace brokers on campus and hopefully to ensure that there is no violence. Everybody has different view point around #FessMustFall‚ but we want to say these are children in our society‚” said Seth Naicker who was also part of the group of ministers.
Reverand Linda Martins said they were at Wits to pray for peace and for students‚ the government and management to reach a consensus.
“We are here to say enough is enough. We understand the cry of the students and we understand that some of them want to write exams.” — TMG Digital
Clergy show solidarity for peace at Wits as#FeesMustFall campaign continues
They represent different denominations‚ but a group of church ministers who descended on Wits University on Wednesday have one thing in common: to ensure there is there is no more violence on the campus and to go as far as standing in as a buffer between students and the police if violence erupts.
“We are here to play the role of peacemakers. We are concerned about the levels of violence that have been taking place on the campuses‚” said Methodist Bishop Gary Rivas.
Rivas was leading a group of church ministers who gathered in front the university’s Great Hall on Wednesday.
“We are making a call and asking the police leave the campus. That has been the call from the church for the police and private security not to be involved on campus‚” said Rivas.
“Obviously they hold a different view. If the police won’t move off… as the clergy have committed to stand as a buffer zone between the police and the students.
“The church has been very clear that we stand against any form of violence‚” he said.
“The clergy are here to show support to all parties involved. The call for free education is important. We can’t argue against that.
“The students have done their homework. They have made their calculations. They know where the money would come from and all‚ really‚ that is left is for the government side to make a commitment to say‚ ‘look we are working on some figures’‚” said Anglican Bishop Jo Seoka.
“The Vice Chancellor needs to come and engage the students. That’s all they are asking for‚ whether he comes under heavy police presence. They are willing to listen to him.
“He is willing to talk but he wants to meet with the leadership of the students privately‚ but the students say this has gone too far now and want him to address them as a collective‚” Seoka said.
“Part of us coming together today is really to show solidarity with peace. We are not siding with anyone on any argument. We want to be peace brokers on campus and hopefully to ensure that there is no violence. Everybody has different view point around #FessMustFall‚ but we want to say these are children in our society‚” said Seth Naicker who was also part of the group of ministers.
Reverand Linda Martins said they were at Wits to pray for peace and for students‚ the government and management to reach a consensus.
“We are here to say enough is enough. We understand the cry of the students and we understand that some of them want to write exams.” — TMG Digital
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos