UKZN student strike spreads to Howard College
Police and UKZN'S Risk Management are on high alert at Howard College after student protests spread to the campus last night.
UKZN student protests continued to spread across campuses, last night and this morning to Howard College, putting Public Order Police, the University’s Risk Management Services and SAPS are on high alert with a large presence on campus.
While students are still confused about whether to stay on campus or return home to continue studying, many arrived this morning to find tests and some lectures had been cancelled.
Athi Gcingca a first year music student, told Berea Mail, although the campus seemed quiet, he had it on good authority that the protests were far from over. “Around six or seven last night, some students were kicked out of the library. I do believe we as students are unreasonable when cars are torched and the property is damaged, but I think its the only way students feel our voices can be heard.”
Athi admitted he did not fully understand the reason for the protest, “From what I gather, each year the school plans to exclude some students from registering next year.”
A couple of second year students who wished to remain anonymous said the reason for the protests were “most probably about loans or fees.”
“It’s scary,” said another first year student, who opted to go home when she heard protesting students close by.
Meanwhile students supporting the protests said, “They (protests) started at Edgewood, Westville and now here. They are raising the registration fee and won’t allow us to register if you have unpaid fees. There is also a robot system for academic performance they are bringing in, its unfair,” the young student said.
Judy Rawlins a second year student said the protests were very important. “As a student from a disadvantaged family, I’m struggling to study. and this year I did not get financial aid so was lucky I managed to increase my credit but if they stop that, I don’t know. I’m very nervous because I might not be able to continue due to financial crisis. Many of my friends had to drop out after first year due to financial crisis,” she said.
Two second year students who were standing outside campus told Berea Mail they were waiting to get fetched as one of their tests was cancelled. “I just feel safer to leave. They are not very violent, just basically protesting singing and toyi-toying around campus but not burning anything so far. They were only getting aggressive when other students were taking pictures and videos on their cellphones,” one said.
