A violent service delivery protest on Varsity Drive by residents of an informal settlement prevented access to the Westville campus this morning through gate three. The protest took place in a public main road that leads to this entrance. The protest action was managed by SAPS and eThekwini Metro officials. Access through gate three was restored and lectures on the Westville campus have continued uninterrupted.
In a separate and unrelated incident approximately 150 students embarked on protest action at the Edgewood campus this morning. Lesiba Seshoka, executive director for the Corporate Relations Division, said, “We have received verbal reports from Risk Management Services that property has been vandalised and damaged. Approximately 60 students have been detained by the SAPS for contempt of the final High Court order which prohibits unlawful disruptions at the university’s campuses.”
Protesting students barricaded the entrance to Edgewood campus and were dispersed by SAPS. Lectures have been disrupted. SAPS and RMS are monitoring and managing the situation.
On the Howard College campus, some lectures were disrupted as the lecture venues smelt of pepper spray. A student was apprehended.
There have been extensive discussions with the student leadership and management will continue to consult and engage with the SRCs. Students are reminded that a final High Court order prohibits unlawful protests, acts of violence and mass action on the university’s campuses. The order also prohibits any attempt to obstruct the entrances to the campuses. Perpetrators in violation of the interdict will face the full might of the law.
Students are urged to raise any matter of concern with their respective SRC representatives.
