31/08/2026
SASCO STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED VICTIMISATION AND ASSAULT OF AN SRC MEMBER
Revolutionary greetings to all esteemed foot-soldiers, members, sympathisers of the Students’ Congress (SASCO) in the university, the entire UMP student population.
SASCO has noted with serious concern a series of video evidence circulating on social media in which the SRC Secretary-General stated that he was physically assaulted and victimised by individuals allegedly associated with his deployed political formation, the EFFYC. Following a Skopo Saturday gathering at a residence in Msholozi, certain EFFYC student leaders allegedly sought to confront the SRC Secretary-General on their way back to campus. The SRC SG was reportedly thrown on the ground and physically assaulted by a group of his fellow EFFYC comrades. It was said the reason for the assault was to “discipline him.”
SASCO expresses its sincere sympathy towards the assaulted SRC member following this disturbing incident. Regardless of his organisational alignment or political differences, no student leader deserves to be subjected to physical assault – no less in the name of “discipline.” We condemn, without reservation, any form of brutality directed at him or any other student.
As an organisation committed to the interests, dignity and safety of all students, SASCO unequivocally condemns political violence, intimidation, victimisation and thuggery in all their forms. Political differences must be resolved through democratic engagement and debate. No disagreement or frustration can ever justify violence.
What has allegedly happened to an SRC leader from another organisation today could tomorrow happen to any ordinary student who dares to hold a different political view. Allowing political violence to become normalised on our campuses threatens every student's right to participate freely and safely in student politics.
We therefore call for the circumstances surrounding this incident to be properly investigated through the appropriate processes and for those found responsible for the physical attacks to be held accountable.
SASCO further calls upon all students, particularly the so-called red-lingeried leadership of the EFFYC, to exercise political maturity and desist from acts of violence, intimidation and political victimisation.
The most powerful response to failed leadership is not violence, it is the ballot.
On 4 September 2026, students have an opportunity to reject political aggression and choose leadership that puts STUDENTS FIRST, always.
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ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE SASCO UMP MBOMBELA BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FOR ENQUIRIES:
COMRADE LU
MEDIA AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY
+27698308683
