The tragic loss of University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Kevin Rochford who was shot and killed outside his home, is a call to action to deal harshly with crime and violence but also to address the underlying causes, which contribute to a culture of violence in our society, says Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore.

He was addressing a Student Assembly convened by the SA Student Congress (Sasco) on the UCT campus. The students wanted to hear the MECs views on progress on higher education transformation in the Western Cape, backlogs, and the role of government in tackling transformational issues, such as racism.

The Student Assembly (SA) is a student parliamentary body, which holds the Student Representative Council (SRC) accountable, and recommends direction to the SRC on operational and policy matters. It has a membership of 70 student leaders who represents all campus constituencies of the UCT.

Said MEC Dugmore: I want to express my condolences to the UCT community for the tragic loss of Professor Kevin Rochford who was shot and killed outside his home in Little Mowbray last night. I believe that Professor Rochard was recently married and my deepest sympathy is extended to his wife and other family members.

This incident along with others at this university and in our communities on a daily basis is a call to action to deal harshly with crime and violence but also to address the underlying causes, which contribute to a culture of violence in our society.

The right to education of many learners at our schools is being affected by vandals, criminals and the conduct of certain learners whose behaviour is simply unacceptable.

For Enquiries:

Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Fax: 021 425 5689
Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

The Western Cape - A Home for All
INtshona Koloni - iKhaya loMntu wonke
Die Wes-Kaap - 'n Tuiste vir Almal