UKZN embarks on criminal investigation after violent student strike

UKZN student protests continued to spread across campuses, on Monday night and Tuesday morning putting Public Order Police, the University’s Risk Management Services and SAPS on high alert and showing a large presence on campus.

At a media briefing this week, the university revealed that a full investigation into the acts of misconduct and violence is underway. “Video footage and photography taken will form part and parcel of the investigation. All perpetrators found to have been involved will face the full might of the University’s disciplinary codes and where necessary, the law. One arrest to this end has already been affected,” Lesiba Seshoka the executive director of Corporate Relations at UKZN said.

Authorities will remain on campus and monitor the situation on all campuses.

While students were still confused about whether to stay on campus or return home to continue studying, many arrived on Tuesday morning to discover tests and some lectures had been cancelled.

Athi Gcingca a first year music student, told Berea Mail, although the campus seemed quiet, he had it on good authority that the protests were far from over. “Around six or seven last night, some students were kicked out of the library. I do believe we as students are unreasonable when cars are torched and the property is damaged, but I think its the only way students feel our voices can be heard.”

Athi admitted he did not fully understand the reason for the protest, “From what I gather, each year the school plans to exclude some students from registering next year.”

A couple of second year students who wished to remain anonymous said the reason for the protests were “most probably about loans or fees.”

“It’s scary,” said another first year student, who opted to go home when she heard protesting students close by.

Meanwhile, students supporting the protests said, “They (protests) started at Edgewood, Westville and now here. They are raising the registration fee and won’t allow us to register if you have unpaid fees. There is also a robot system for academic performance they are bringing in, its unfair,” the young student said.

Judy Rawlins, a second year student said the protests were very important. “As a student from a disadvantaged family, I’m struggling to study. This year I did not get financial aid so was lucky I managed to increase my credit but if they stop that, I don’t know. I’m very nervous because I might not be able to continue due to financial crisis. Many of my friends had to drop out after first year due to financial crisis,” she said.

Two second year students who were standing outside campus told Berea Mail they were waiting to get fetched as one of their tests was cancelled. “I just feel safer to leave. They are not very violent, just basically protesting singing and toyi-toying around campus but not burning anything so far. They were only getting aggressive when other students were taking pictures and videos on their cellphones,” one said.

In light of the violent student protest action, University Management suspended all academic programmes on all campuses on Wednesday. “This is regrettable so close to the end of the academic year, but will hopefully create the space to restore the necessary calmness to our academic environment. University management is currently engaging members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) to understand the causes of the unrest and to address the student grievances. Management remains committed to a process of consultation and dialogue with students,” Seshoka added.