Arrested Sekhukhune Training College students make bail
All the learners arrested after strike action on campus last Wednesday have been released
LIMPOPO – A number of students were arrested and many injured during a protest at the Sekhukhune Training College last week.
They were apprehended for contravening a court order barring them from blockading entrances to the facility but were released on free bail a day later. They are expected to appear before the court on 18 October.
According to Provincial Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, 21 students were arrested during protests at the College. “Twelve men aged between 19 and 36 and nine women aged between 21 and 27 were taken into custody but have since been released,” explained Ngoepe.
The protest was not #Feesmustfall related. The campus had been closed for more than a month following a strike over a Student Representative Council (SRC) elections debacle dating back to February this year, as well as other administrative disputes.
Thoko Nzima (21), a civil engineering and building construction student, said management sent them SMSs informing them classes would resume on Wednesday following a four-week strike by students. “To our surprise, we were welcomed with rubber bullets and handcuffs,” said Nzima.
The learners accused college management of failing to honour promises to offer proper accommodation, transport and tuition fees. They further blamed management for a lack of textbooks and lecturers.
Walter Mariri, Express Student Movement Secretary, said the students demanded the removal of campus management for failing to address their challenges. “There will be no business at the college until all issues raised are addressed,” said Mariri.
“Some of the demands cannot be met because we are guided by policies, for instance, they expect their monthly allowances to be paid in one payment. That is a year’s allowance paid over to them at once, which is not possible,” said Kekana.
thoko@nmgroup.co.za
