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We welcome the release earlier today of #FeesMustFall student activist Kanya Cekeshe from prison.

It has been our contention that it was unfair for Kanya to have been incarcerated in prison for the past two years, mainly due the fact the he received poor legal advice.

We are part of a number of former student activists, religious leaders and members of civil society, who recently made a public call for greater awareness, compassion and empathy for Kanya’s plight.  See link to the earlier public statement, here:

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2019-11-22-growing-calls-from-civil-society-to-free-kanya-cekeshe-now/

We believe that it is correct that Kanya has been released from prison. Kanya must now be allowed to rebuild his life and make a positive contribution to society.

We wish to salute all those who have stood by Kanya and supported him through difficult times and those who over the past few months have worked to facilitate his release.

We remain committed to building a just, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa and, in particular, to the progressive transformation and improvement of our country’s education system.

Statement endorsed and supported by:

Bishop Joe Seoka
Firoz Cachalia (Wits 1970s and 1980s)
Thuli Madonsela (Wits 1989 - 1990)
Tiego Moseneke (Wits 1980s)
Thandeka Gqubule-Mbeki (Wits 1980s)
Brendan Barry (Wits 1980s)
Chris Ngcobo (Wits 1980s)
Themba Maseko (Wits 1980s)
Moss Mashishi (Wits 1980s)
Mogomotsi Mogidri (Wits 1980s)
Khaya Ngema (Wits 1980s and 1990s)
Kenneth Creamer (Wits 1980s and 1990s)
Ebrahim Fakir (Wits 1980s and 1990s)
Thulani Khanyile (UCT early 1990s)
Prishani Naidoo (Wits 1990s)
Makhukhu Mampuru (Wits and RAU 1990s)
Muhammad Cajee (Wits 2000)
Ashley Mabasa (Wits 2018)

Issued by former student leaders.