TUT campuses shut down

TUT campuses shut down
17 Aug 2012 |
Sapa

Amid violent protests

Management of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on Thursday shut down several campuses amid violent student protests.

TUT spokeswoman Willa de Ruyter said students from Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa and Pretoria West campuses should not return to studies until further notice.

“Students staying in university residences should vacate by 7am on Friday,” she said.

The violent protests began on Monday and management obtained a court order on Thursday preventing the protests from continuing.

The campuses have reportedly been closed as management said it feared for the safety of the staff and students and wanted to prevent further damage of the university property.

Management has for the last few days been engaged in talks with the student representatives, and a memorandum of understanding was signed by the two sides on Tuesday.

“Despite those honest and sustained efforts, students have resorted to class boycotts, intimidation and barricading entrances to the three campuses, successfully disrupting university business.”

Earlier on Thursday, management sent a message to students advising them to return to classes but many did not comply.

Professor Nthabiseng Ogude, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, has criticised the actions of the protesting students.

“Students and external people, some of whom were intoxicated, stoned buildings and threw petrol-bombs, causing extensive damage to property.”

The students were protesting against the allocation of the National Students Financial Aid Scheme and the condition of their residences.