As a socialist and activist, I think that student unions should be used to fight for student rights and social justice. As students we have been brought up in a world wrecked by capitalism, from the climate crisis to vast and deepening inequality and war. Our unions have a role to play in resisting these disasters by challenging universities ties to weapons manufacturers and fossil fuel giants. Universities should be places of genuine learning and education for the better of humanity, but instead are run in the interests of big business and the military apparatus. As students we have to push back against the idea that our education should be tied to heinous corporations like Lockheed Martin who supply helicopters and fighter jets to Israel, or Santos, who recently steamrolled local Gomeroi people to build the Narrabri gas project.
As a NUS delegate I will bring these politics to our national union and argue for resources to build campaigns here in SA.
Solidarity with Palestine, no war with Lebanon
No to fossil fuel or weapons companies on campus
No cuts to education staff in the coming merger
Cut VCs salary and fund free education
Defend and extend abortion rights
Fight sexism, homophobia and transphobia