UL vacates amid unrest

Protracted violent student protest at the University of Limpopo (UL) since Tuesday compelled the institution’s management to suspend academic programmes indefinitely and student residences had to be vacated by 17:00 yesterday (Wednesday).
This notice was issued by UL Vice-chancellor and Principal Mahlo Mokgalong who indicated that the decision was taken in the interest of the safety and security of students, staff and university property.
The protest action at UL continued yesterday (Wednesday) after Police dispersed crowds and arrested six students the previous day on charges of public violence. Provincial Police Head of Corporate Communication Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed their arrest and also that three of them were released later the day. The three are expected to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday).

Mojapelo yesterday morning said the situation at UL was calm yet minutes later angry students barricaded the main entrance to the university with concrete storm water pipes and burning rubble. Fences at Entrance 3 were also damaged. Shops at the business complex at the main entrance of the university were forced to close and motorists were not allowed to refuel their vehicles.
Mojapelo said the cause of the unrest emanated after alleged altercations between students and campus security. Public Order Policing Unit (Pops) was deployed to the scene where students were throwing stones and setting tyres and trashcans alight.
To reports of two students being injured after being shot Mojapelo said: “Not a single shot was fired by the Police. It is believed that campus security fired rubber bullets at students. We cannot confirm the alleged shooting incidents in which students were injured after being shot at,” Mojapelo said adding that Pops was deployed to monitor the situation at the campus and they will remain on the scene for as long as necessary.
Allegations of the cafeteria being set alight on Tuesday were confirmed but Mojapelo said the fire was extinguished before any damage could be caused.
At the time of going to press allegations of campus security firing rubber bullets at students could not be confirmed.
Mojapelo added that the situation at all other campuses in the province including Tshwane University of Technology and University of Venda was calm on Wednesday.
Some of the students who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were badly affected by the unrest. “It is clear that fees won’t fall, it is time that some of the students make peace with the current situation and move on. We are left behind, we were supposed to write exams but we can’t due to the unrest,” said the student.
Another student said he was badly affected by the unrest because he was doing his final year and if the disturbance was to continue for the next six months he might have to repeat the year next year. “I am sad because I am only left with one module and now this unrest is costing me a course.”

Some said the situation is hurting all students but mainly those who are about to complete their courses. “Students are right to protest against fees but they must do it in a dignified manner. I don’t think students who are burning infrastructure are real students of the university. We can’t even study at night because they are knocking on our doors in a violent manner,” the concerned student said.
University management engaged with students on campus on matters pertaining to the Minister of Higher Education and Training’s recent announcement on 2017 university fee increases on Monday. “The possible impact of the announcement on the UL students was explained in detail to the students. Management remains of the view that the majority of our students will experience a no-fee increase for 2017,” Mokgalong said on Monday.

Story: RC Myburgh
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Herbert Rachuene
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Featured photo: Protesting students blocking the main road leading to the gate of the university.