UPDATE: Wits has announced classes have commenced today

Following absolute chaos which ensued yesterday at Wits University and Braamfontein, the University has today, released a statement confirming that classes have commenced.

Classes resumed this morning and as at 10am all academic activities were on track.

A group of students tried to close the entrance to the Wits Management Campus earlier today but they dispersed when security and police intervened.

The police have followed them and are currently managing the situation. One student has been arrested.

At the Wits Education Campus, a group of about six students tried to disrupt a lecture but security stepped in and the students fled. We are doing our level best to ensure that lectures continue without disruption today. We also request staff and students to stay away from areas of conflict for their own safety.

“We are doing our level best to ensure that lectures continue without disruption today. We also request staff and students to stay away from areas of conflict for their own safety.” the statement reads.

Counselling services available

“The University is committed to completing the 2016 academic year and to ensuring that all students write examinations and we are very concerned about the level of trauma and stress experienced by students and staff given the incidents that have occurred in recent days.” further read the statement.

The Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) is providing counselling support for students and staff who may need trauma debriefing or counselling. The Univeristy has encouraged them to visit the CCDU on West Campus or Education Campus for individual or group counselling or debriefing.

Staff can call 011 717 9140/32 or 072 486 9780 and a counsellor will call back, alternatively visit the CCDU webpage that focuses on trauma and related important information. Read more at HERE.

Engagement

“We reiterate that we have met with student leaders from official University structures privately. We are open to engaging with students from all societies and mediators to try to find a negotiated settlement. The Dean of Students invited 20 student representatives to meet with management, but the students did not take the offer. We are also open to an imbizo provided that it doesn’t fall into teaching time, it is facilitated independently, it allows for

“The Dean of Students invited 20 student representatives to meet with management, but the students did not take the offer. We are also open to an imbizo provided that it doesn’t fall into teaching time, it is facilitated independently, it allows for two-way conversation and is planned in advance.  We have written to the Students’ Representative Council and are happy to address all internal issues as described earlier but it is beyond our control to give students free education now.” continued the statement.

Wits’ Pledge

Wits has pledged its support for the goal of free, fully funded, quality, decolonised higher education. The institution has pledged to approach government with a united voice for the realisation of this goal and pledge to deploy their intellectual resources towards finding the best solutions. The University added that they are also prepared to support peaceful advocacy activities in this regard. Read the full pledge.