Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. (Mk 10:52)
Over the last week we’ve seen pictures and stories of students protesting against fee increases. However, people “see” these pictures differently. Some see disciplined, well co-ordinated activists crying out for justice. Others see a militant mob. Some see the “end of the world” and others the beginning of a new one.
That’s why I eagerly read Jonathan Jansen’s article in The Times on Thursday. Prof. Jansen is one who “sees” well[1]. He writes “a poor student from Tembisa …knows a degree from a good university is her one shot at escaping poverty. The stakes are high”. On the other hand “universities are under enormous pressure to keep the lights on, maintain the salary bill” and so on. He also warns “those with any sense of history of post-independence universities know that we should be very careful what we applaud.”
I pray for the day when poor students have access to free education. I pray for peace, stability and the vision to see that beyond things “fall” to how they are raised to new life. May Jesus lead us on the ‘Way’.
God Bless, Sean
[1] Prof. Jansen is Rector and Vice-Chancellor at the University of the Free State. His leadership is characterized by caring, compassionate interaction with students at the university.