UPDATE: Wits suspends academic programme until Monday

Following the violent protests which ensued yesterday at Wits University, management has made a decision to suspend its academic programme until Monday, October 10.

In a statement released by the Senior Executive Team, an agreement was reached to mediate negotiations between students groups, university management and other role players.

“We have made this concession because we do not want the scenes that played out on our University campuses yesterday, to be repeated. Such scenes put our students and staff on edge and do not enable a full resumption of the academic programme. If a negotiated outcome can achieve this end, then we will be all the stronger as a University community. The student constituency is as committed as we are to salvaging the 2016 academic year.” read the statement.

Management further went on to state that they have agreed to withdraw the police to the perimeter of the University’s campuses under the express commitment from all parties that there will be no violence or intimidation of students and staff.

For the remainder of this week, former leaders of the Black Student Society and SRCs, supported by clergy, will facilitate and mediate a process of consensus building between student groups, university management and other role players with a view towards having a General Assembly on Friday, 7 October chaired by the Chancellor to focus on a consensual position on the principle of full access to higher education.

“We understand that some individuals may not be entirely happy about this decision, but we truly believe that if we can get a negotiated outcome, it will be in the broader interests of all stakeholders and saving the 2016 academic year.” further read the statement.