adminCape Town — All lectures and other activities at the University of Cape Town have been suspended for the rest of yesterday following protests over fee hikes. “All staff and students are asked to refrain from coming to UPPER CAMPUS, MIDDLE AND LOWER CAMPUS for today. Staff and student currently on UPPER CAMPUS, MIDDLE AND LOWER CAMPUS are asked to leave the campus.”
UCT students began blocking entrances to the institution yesterday morning, in protest against a planned 10.3 percent increase. “This prevented staff and students from getting to their classes and work spaces. We believe this situation presents a threat to the safety of staff and students,” UCT’s communications director Gerda Kruger said.
“The decision serves to prevent an escalation and to allow us to do the work to bring the university back to safety and normal operation.” The protesters’ actions are de facto preventing the business of the institution to continue, Kruger said. “Their actions prevent others from exercising their right to come and learn. This can never be acceptable and is unlawful.”
The university appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful.
Meanwhile, protesting students at Rhodes University abandoned talks with vice chancellor Sizwe Mabizela late yesterday morning after no agreement was reached on a decrease in students’ Minimum Initial Payment (MIP) before registration.
Mabizela arrived just after 0900hrs to speak to students, the university’s independent student news source, Activate, reported.
University management offered 20 percent of full fees MIP, and an extended payment deadline. Students are, however, demanding a 10 percent MIP and the lowering of fees in general.
Questions have also been asked about international students’ foreign levy, with Mabizela saying it might be possible to reduce the full amount payable to 75 percent of the total. — AFP
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