Reflections on managing student protest

Abstract

This paper addresses problems associated with effective management of student protest in African universities. The fundamental concerns around which student protests and demonstrations have arisen are discussed. Types of official response are outlined and the influence of the protests on political events is assessed. The paper also discusses how the university environment contributes to student activism; the relationship between the students and the establishment; and the logic behind official response to student demonstrations. It is argued that demonstrations are largely spontaneous and do not usually represent a permanent problem. They should be understood within a broader framework of democracy. Student affairs should be handled within the university through administrative structures designed to facilitate the regular expression of grievances. Students should have adequate representation in decision-making bodies of universities; and progressive policies regarding counselling and recreation should be developed.Oorsig oor die beheer van studentebetogings. Hierdie artikel spreek probleme aan rakende die effektiewe bantering van studenteprotes aan universiteite in Afrika. Die fundamentele probleme wat studenteprotes en -betogings veroorsaak, word bespreek. lipes amptelike reaksie word uiteengesit en die invloed van protes op politieke gebeure word ge~valueer. Verder gee die artikel aandag aan hoe die universiteitsomgewing tot studente-aktivisme hydra; die verhouding tussen studente en die "establishment"; en die logika agter amptelike reaksie op studentebetogings. Die argument is dat betogings grootliks spontaan is en gewoonlik nie 'n permanente probleem verteenwoordig nie. Sulke betogings moet binne 'n bre~r raamwerk van demokrasie verstaan word. Studente-aangeleenthede moet binne die universiteit deur adrninistratiewe strukture hanteer word wat ontwerp is om die gereelde uiting van griewe te vergemaklik. Studente moet genoegsame verteenwoordiging op besluitnemingsliggame van universiteite he, en progressiewe beleidsrigtings ten opsigte van voorligting en ontspanning moet ontwikkel word.