STUDENT protests at the Durban campus of DUT continued today (Wednesday 29 January) despite the university suspending the academic programme until further notice.
Earlier this morning, protesting students who were being led by the SRC, violently forced their way onto the Steve Biko Campus.
“One of the security officers at DUT sustained a head and back injury after being attacked by the protesting students who had illegally forced their way onto the campus. Paramedics arrived on the campus and the security officer was taken to a nearby hospital where he is recovering. DUT wishes him a speedy recovery,” said Prof Ahmed Bawa, vice-chancellor.
He said the university condemns all acts of violence, intimidation and criminal behaviour during this protest.
“While students have the right to voice their concerns through protest, this must be done in a peaceful and non-threatening manner. Students’ right to protest should not violate the rights of other students and staff who are not protesting. We will be working with the police to ensure that the person or people responsible for the attacks are held accountable for their actions,” he said.
Police and security remain on campus to ensure the safety of staff, university property, as well as the students who remain in residence until the evacuation deadline of midday tomorrow (30 January).
“Just to reiterate, our decision to suspend the academic programme and close the residences was prompted by the violent student protest action which has been led by the SRC. Unfortunately, the student protests have compromised the safety of our students and staff and resulted in unfavorable conditions on campus. The SRC has tabled issues around the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, funding for Btech qualifications and they had demanded an increase in the book allowance and the unblocking of students who did not pay their fees in 2013,” he said.
Last week the university agreed to increase the book allowance from R1000 to R1500 and unblocked the 4600 students who owed R155 million in outstanding student fees so that they could apply for funding and register if they qualified.
“We also updated the SRC on their demands for tablet computers for all students and we provided feedback on the other items that they tabled,” said Prof Bawa.
To date, the SRC has not given their written response to the vice-chancellor’s letter.
Prof Bawa said the current conditions at DUT were certainly not conducive to maintaining the academic programme and the university could not further compromise the safety of students, staff and property. The shutdown period will be used to bring about stability on the campus and to create the conditions that will be appropriate for teaching and learning to resume.
