BREAKING NEWS: Wits announces that it will reopen
JOBURG – Wits has pledged to open its doors to students who wish to learn, amid #FeesMustFall protests.
The institution said all staff will return to work on 3 October while the academic programme will resume on 4 October.
Senior communications officer, Shirona Patel said the phased opening follows several engagements with a range of stakeholders, including students, where the institution ceded to requests for a phased opening this week.
Patel said that the presence of private security and police on campus is not ideal and that they understand that students and academics are not comfortable with academic activities occurring in an environment with a visible security presence.
“However, we are left with no choice at this stage but to bring additional security onto campus. We will request the police to remain on the perimeter of the campus this week, unless there is a need to bring them onto campus, or there is risk to life or property.”
She also said that the institution will gradually reduce the security presence provided that:
- University activities continue without disruption,
- there is no violence, intimidation or threat to students and staff,
- there is no destruction of property, and
- anyone who breaks University rules or violates the Constitutional rights of others are immediately held accountable.
“We are willing to consider withdrawing private security and the police if the protesting students undertake not to impinge on the rights of those who wish to learn and work.”
Patel urged staff and students to work with the Senior executive team as they reopen this week. “Together, we can still save the 2016 academic year, while continuing the struggle for free education for the poor and the so-called missing middle.”
