Makgoba calls for calm after student protests
THE Archbishop of Cape Town, Dr Thabo Makgoba, has said that he is “deeply pained” by the violent protests across universities in South Africa, as students continue to campaign against rising tuition fees. The country’s Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, has said that student fees will rise by eight per cent, with the exception of those from poorer backgrounds. Protesters argue, however, that black students are still being stung in the wake of apartheid. Higher-educational institutions have said that their programmes would suffer from a freeze in fees. “With so much inequality and poverty in this country, let us refrain from deepening the divide through destructive actions,” Dr Makgoba said. “Violence and destructive action will not bring about the desired solutions.”

Mission to Seafarers helps Hanjin Shipping staff
THE Anglican charity the Mission to Seafarers has offered welfare support to the 2500 seafarers from the South Korean container line Hanjin Shipping. The company filed for insolvency last month, at the risk of thousands of jobs. Some port authorities are refusing entry to the 97 ships, which could be arrested on arrival, as the funds needed to unload the ships remain in doubt. The director of justice and public affairs for the Mission to Seafarers, Canon Ken Peters, said: “If the ships continue to be blocked from entering port, there could be a welfare crisis for these seafarers, as vessels will quickly run out of food, fuel, and essential provisions. Seafarers will be very anxious, and their families at home will be concerned and distressed.” Hanjin Shipping has since seen a 28-per-cent jump in its shares after the board at its biggest shareholder, Korean Air Lines, approved a loan of £41.5 million on Thursday of last week.