ROCKS, rubber bullets and tear gas were exchanged between private security staff and students during a protest at the University of KZN Howard College campus on Monday.
Four students were arrested and taken away in a police van during the melee. The students were protesting an alleged rule by the university that they are required to pay 15 per cent of their historic debt to be allowed to register.
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On campus registration is currently underway at UKZN, with lectures set to commence on 7 February.
The university has yet to comment on Monday’s protests.
Mphathi Majola, chairperson of the Economic Freeedom Fighters Student Command, was narrowly missed by a flying rock while addressing the media. Majola said the issue was that a lot of students were being turned away because they could not afford to pay the required money.
“I have categorised this as a declaration of war against financially struggling students,” he said.
Commenting on when the students might stop protesting, Majola said, “The issue of continuation of the strike will be determined by the response of the management.”
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In another incident, riot police were called to deal with protesting students at the Unisa Durban campus. Unisa has extended its registration period to 1 February and urges students to register online.
