POLOKWANE – It took a while for students at tertiary institutions in Limpopo to support the #feesmustfall campaign but not long after the University of Limpopo (UL) students started protesting did students from other institutions follow suit.
This led to UL and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Polokwane Campus shutting down a few weeks ago. TUT reopened after the annual recess but was forced to shut the gates again on Monday after students continued to protest for free education.
As a result, scheduled tests and exams have been delayed.
Nelly Seabi, a student at TUT says she doesn’t support the movement. “This strike is affecting us negatively, especially final year students. It’s so sad. Now we have a lot of stress because the exams are around the corner and we don’t want to put it off till Jauary,” she said. A number of students want classes to resume.
A statement from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) confirmed that academic activities did not take place at the Polokwane Campus, even though the situation remained calm.
Here follows an excerpt from the statement:
The University notes with concern that the disruptions experienced yesterday and again today have already impacted negatively on the revised academic calendar. TUT has resolved to assist our students to successfully complete this academic year. It is therefore in the interest of the University and our students to continue with operations.
Activities at all the University’s campuses will therefore continue tomorrow, 14 October 2016. In view of the safety of our staff and students, security measures will remain reinforced at all the University’s campuses. Staff and students are reminded that they will only be able to access campuses with their TUT identification cards.
Tests scheduled to start on 15 October 2016 will continue.
While the University respects the right of students to protest, any TUT student disrupting the operations of the University will be dealt with according to the disciplinary code, while cases will be opened against those participating in criminal activities.
