Four DUT campuses shut down following violent protests
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has decided to temporarily close four of its campuses after protesters initiated a violent attack on Thursday, March 24.
THE Durban University of Technology (DUT) will temporarily close the Steve Biko Campus, ML Sultan Campus, Ritson Campus and City Campus until further notice.
The senior director of corporate affairs, Alan Khan said this comes after a group of protesters started a violent attack on Thursday afternoon.
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“The protesters did not only violate the COVID-19 protocols but they also damaged property and traumatised staff, in what was a well-orchestrated, violent attack,” said Khan.
Khan said that despite the University’s appeals to the South African Police Services for assistance, DUT was unable to prevent these attacks, even though law enforcement was notified as early as Wednesday, 23 March 2022, about the planned protest.
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He added that the four campuses will be temporarily closed with immediate effect and the academic programme will continue online and only essential services staff will be allowed access onto the four campuses.
”Staff and students will be notified once the Steve Biko Campus, Ritson Campus, ML Sultan Campus and City Campus reopen. The University will closely monitor the situation and will not hesitate to evacuate the residences, should it be necessary, based on the potential risks on our students, staff and university property,” said Khan.
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