Gift of the Givers to feed protesting students
Aid organisation Gift of the Givers has pledged to provide protesting students with food and drinks today when they march to the Union buildings in Pretoria to be addressed by President Jacob Zuma.
In a statement yesterday - the Presidency said Zuma would be meeting with university leaders and student leaders to discuss the situation.
Gift of the Givers' Imtiaz Sooliman says they support the students' call as access to education for all will amongst other things ensure sustainable economic growth in the country.
"If this country wants to make any progress, if it wants to address unemployment and take people out of poverty, crime and drugs - it has to make sure it can educate students. It is for that purpose that students need to know that they're not alone, that the country is with them.
"They expect support from the country so that they could go forward and represent the country and the continent and make a difference to their lives," he said.
He says this call is particularly significant for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
"Especially in the rural areas, one student may change the lives of 20 people around him.
"So, it's for that purpose that we say we stand with them but it has to be done in a very disciplined manner," he said.
(File photo)