The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has been forced to shut its doors as violent protests erupted on some of their campuses on Monday. Classes are currently suspended after student leaders were alleged to have entered camus premises and intimidated students who attended classes.
The protest has been sparked by the decision to move applications online. Students who have outstanding fees are said to be prevented from registering. The previous debt has affected some learners from attending classes which have recently commenced.
The demand by the protesting students is for the application and registration to take place face to face on campus, and for previous student debt to be scrapped. The decision by the university to move student applications online is seen as a move to prevent those with historical debt from attending classes.
These protests grow from the fees must fall campaign. In 2016 the fees must fall campaign picked up momentum when it was realised that some students were rejected or removed from the campus premises because they could not pay outstanding fees.
In a statement on Monday Normah Zondo, UKZN corporate relations executive director, said a decision was taken to suspend all classes after incidents of violence and intimidation.
Zondo said, “Not only are these acts illegal, they also deter students who are eager to learn. The health and safety of our learners and employees is our priority. Considering the eminent threat, the university decided to suspend all lectures. The university shuttle would also be suspended temporarily.”
Source: Times Live, The Witness, ENCA
