Photo: Flickr / GovernmentZA
Photo: Flickr / GovernmentZA
Things certainly livened up during Blade Nzimande’s briefing on the state of universities on Wednesday. The tertiary institutions are preparing to step-up their operations following the chaos caused by COVID-19, but the way students are spending their ‘leisure time’ – and free data – has concerned the minister.
‘Free data’ has to be used responsibly, Nzimande warns
Nzimande confirmed that this current academic year is set to roll over into 2021, meaning next year’s students will face a delayed start. There will also be a further investigation into the misappropriation of funds at NSFAS. However, it would be the politicians warning on ‘undesirable content’ that stole the show:
“Most universities have already negotiated free data bundles with the MNOs to pay for additional content that is not covered through the zero-rating. NSFAS-funded students have been provided with digital devices to support their learning in 2020 during the COVID 19 lockdown and when they return to campuses.”
“However, some students are [not using this correctly]. The more you spend your data on downloading movies and watching undesirable content, the further away you are from wearing your graduation gown.”
Blade Nzimande
Say Blade, what exactly *is* undesirable content?
It didn’t take long for viewers to decipher the euphamism used by Nzimande, either:
Minister Blade Nzimande has urged students to stop using data meant for academic purposes to download movies and undesirable content.
— Karabo Moiloa (@Moiloa_TheGreat) July 8, 2020
Blade Nzimande referring to porn as "undesirable content"
— Oliver Dickson (@Oliver_Speaking) July 8, 2020
This man is the Minister of higher education.
We have a long way to go with these old people
What now for universities?
The minister made it clear that more guidance on the reopening of universities will be provided in due course. Around 33% of students are yet to return to class since the enforced nationwide shutdown of campuses.
“Twenty universities have welcomed back students to campuses. I plan to publish guidelines in the Government Gazette to guide institutions, private accommodation providers, NSFAS and students on issues linked to tuition and accommodation fees for the 2020 Academic year, given that it will be extended.”
Blade Nzimande
