Over the past years, we have seen an increase in student protests, students have taken to the streets as well as challenged management within universities including the government to find a solution to their grievances.
In a bid to help students, Wits University is looking to make R1 billion from selling the controversial Frankenwald Estate near the Marlboro Gautrain station. According to the Citizen, this site is known to have been given to the institution – through a deed of gift – by British mining magnate Sir Alfred Beit in 1905 to be used for “education in perpetuity”.
According to a report issued in 2017 to the university’s council, vice-chancellor Adam Habib mentioned that the institution was exploring the possibility of an outright purchase of Frankenwald Estate by the City of Joburg.
This decision was however met with criticism and some residents are against this decision to sell Frankenwald Estate.
“Powell said there was no dispute as to Beit’s wishes for education on Frankenwald.”
“The chancellor, councilors and vice-chancellor should consider the assessment by future benefactors to Wits when the Alfred Beit gift is treated in this way.”
With poor communities still in need of proper education facilities, skills as well as training, Powell mentioned that Alexandra Township which is a nearby township will greatly benefit from this development.
Powell is looking for funds to be managed in the right way and to do all that they promise this development will do which is investing and developing education.
