Will Wits reopen on Monday?

Students across the country in about 26 universities have been protesting since 19 September after the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande announced that universities could raise fees up to eight per cent.

Universities face a tough challenge as the academic year has nearly come to an end, with only the University of Fort Hare announcing a 0 per cent fees increase.

Students are calling for the government to provide all students with free education and this has led to violent clashes between police and students.

After Wits management postponed the General Assembly on 7 October, student leaders decided that since most stakeholders were present, the assembly should proceed.  The university had commissioned the white tent that was erected on the library lawns, drawing attention to their absence from proceedings.

Students filled up all the seats inside the tent and discussed their issues for over five hours – no violence was reported.

Mediator for the students, Advocate Dali Mpofu pointed out that since the police have been removed to the outside of the university, no violence was reported, further accusing the police of inciting violence as has been reported over the past few weeks.

Professor Noor Nieftagodien spoke on behalf of academics at the university pledged their support to the students and called out for other academics across the country to collectively stand behind their students.

Students spent much of the assembly engaging in discussions around what their call for free education entails, with many agreeing that they would only settle for free, quality and decolonised education.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Habib said that due to the assembly being postponed, the council would sit on Sunday and debate once more whether they would try to reopen the university.

Students have also called their own meeting on Sunday to discuss a way forward.