UKZN strike: Lectures suspended

THE University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) campuses of Westville, Howard, Edgewood and Pietermaritzburg have decided to suspend the academic programme on all campuses for Thursday and Friday this week due to an ongoing student protest.

This was after Westville Campus experienced serious violent protests this morning.

Lesiba Seshoka, executive director of corporate relations at the university said the Westville campus in particular was not accessible to University staff as well as students who reside outside campus.

A staff member who witnessed some of the violence said cars coming towards the universtiy were diverted back as striking students blocked the roads and burnt some things in the middle of the road.

“I managed to get inside with some students, when we got in, there was smoke all over the campus as the protesters burnt a cafeteria and damaged the property.

“Police tried to disperse them with no success as the students were also fighting back,” said a staff member.

She added that they were directed to vacate the premises immediately.

Seshoka said, the executive management committee deliberated on the situation this morning and took a decision to suspend the academic programme on all campuses.

“The University regrets the inconvenience caused and apologises to all students whose commitments have been interrupted by the unfortunate activities of a handful of disruptive elements.

“SAPS and the university’s risk management services are keeping an eye on the situation. Discussions with students are ongoing,” said Seshoka.

The students are complaining about registration fees which has increase from R3250 to R6500 and a registration date which has been move forward.

The academic programme would resume on Monday, 08 September.