Wits is adamant that registration will continue
BRAAMFONTEIN – Wits University is adamant that registration will continue despite the #Feesmustfall protest.
Wits University has responded to claims of alleged violence against students by private security and riot police through a statement on their website. The statement explained that there were about 20 students who were occupying the ground floor of Senate House, who effectively disrupted the university’s registration process on 11 January.
The statement pointed out that the students were asked to leave the next day but did not do so, and were thus evicted. “The occupation infringed on the rights of students who wanted to register, many of them the poorest of the poor that required assistance from the University,” the statement said.
The University suspended face to face registration on 11 and 12 January and students were requested to register online and telephonically. “Face to face registration will continue from 13 January,” the statement read. The statement reiterated what the university had previously noted that the university is committed to increasing access to higher education and has put in place an arrangement for the first fee payment.
Read more here: Wits explains registration postponement
“We respect the rights of those who wish to protest lawfully and peacefully without infringing on the rights of those who want to work and learn. Senate House and all University buildings are now open to staff,” the statement concluded.
According social media, the removal was marred by violence, although head of communications from Wits Shirona Patel, was unavailable for comment.
Solomon Mahlangu House is a central meeting point of students at Wits. Students have violently been evicted this morning #FeesMustFall
— Shaeera Akbar Kalla (@shaeera_k) January 12, 2016
Bouncers and police on campus beating up students. Violence is unleashed. @AdHabb
— Vuyani Pambo (@vuyanipambo) January 12, 2016
@AmandlaMobi help is currently needed at Wits by @WitsFMF as students have been brutalized by armed police nd private security #FeesMustFall
— UJFeesMustFall (@UJFMF) January 12, 2016
@WitsFMF POLICE ON CAMPUS IN THEIR RIOT GEAR #FeesMustFall #FreeEducationNow #EndPoliceBrutality pic.twitter.com/rgKqGcU3Pq
— Rei_mundo 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@Searatoa) January 12, 2016
Details Wits University, feesoffice.finance@wits.ac.za
