THE University of KwaZulu-Natal’s vice-chancellor and principal, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld has issued a statement to suspend lectures following weeks of unrest and student protests.
Students torched six cars and a building on the Westville campus recently and police spokesman Lt Col Thulani Zwane, said, “They threw stones at the police, vandalised the centre management office with stones and blocked the road.”
“The situation at some of the UKZN campuses has become untenable and unfortunately we have no choice but to suspend the academic programme on all campuses until further notice,” said van Jaarsveld.
He apologised for any inconvenience caused and said every effort is being made to engage protesting students and ensure the continuation of the academic programme.
“We urge students to desist from engaging in illegal and destructive acts and allow for consultation to take place,”he said.
According to Zwane, 22 students have been arrested and face charges of public violence and not complying with a court order. They will appear at the Durban Magistrate’s Court soon.
