PROTEST action broke out in many University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Durban University of Technology (DUT) campuses with a tragic ending when one student lost his life after he was shot by campus security.
“A young life has been tragically cut short just as he was about to unleash his potential. We call on the Higher Education Department and NSFAS to seek lasting solutions to what has become a recurring sad ritual at the beginning of every academic calendar year across the length and breadth of our country regarding student access to higher education,” said ANC Youth League, provincial spokesperson, Mandla Shange.
The mayor of eThekwini, MEC of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Moxolisi Kaunda and the MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikhala, sent their condolences to the student’s family and called for calm in all universities.
ALSO READ: Academic programme suspended on KZN campuses
On Friday, 8 February, about 200 striking students held an audience of 200 patrons hostage in the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at UKZN campus during a performance of Ian von Memerty and Gino Fabbri’s comedy / music show, Common and Class, which led to the theatre moving shows to other venues.
According to UKZN, the situation on all five campuses was calm, this is following the suspension of the academic programme from Monday, 4 February until further notice.
ALSO READ: Elizabeth Sneddon show will go on at new venues following protest action
The university is assessing damages on all campuses.
“The executive management of the university is currently engaging with the student leadership and other important stakeholders. We will advise the media of the outcomes at the appropriate time.
“The safety and security of the university community is of paramount importance. The campus precinct is declared a lethal-weapon free zone. Security services on the campuses are urged to exercise restraint when engaging protesters,” said acting executive director, corporate relations, Normah Zondo.
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