WATCH: Slow start to #FeesMustFall march

A SMALL group of students gathered outside Durban University of Technology’s Currie’s Fountain this morning for a planned march.

“We are expecting a lot more students, but some are writing tests, but they have said they will come later,” said Sfezo Gwala, a #FeesMustFall student activist at the gathering of less than 40 students.

The gathering included students from DUT, UKZN and MUT, many of whom were wearing EFF Student Command t-shirts and who despite the slow start, made an impact chanting, singing and dancing.

Gwala told Berea Mail the march today was all about garnering support for those students who were arrested during earlier protest action.
“We are here about the release of those students arrested. We are asking the public to support us today. Students are sitting in jail with hardened criminals, murderers and rapists, some should be writing exams but are in jail. One of the DUT students, Bonginkosi Khanyile has been in jail for more than forty days,” he said.

The group waited for more students to arrive before heading to City Hall to hand over a memorandum of grievances.
SAPS and Metro Police were on standby.

The KZN students believe since the NPA are given the power to open cases and charge people, they therefore have the power to discontinue with charges.

The students under the banner of the Fees Must Fall Movement demand:

All students whom were arrested during the Fees Must Fall protest be released from jail with immediate effect.

The NPA to discontinue all criminal proceeding against the students.

Institute criminal proceeding against police who raped students at UKZN.

Investigate the unlawful arrest of students.

Investigate police brutality against peaceful protesting students.

A month ago a mass #FeesMustFall march to City Hall garnered support from clergy who prayed with students before they set off.