The university’s spokesperson, Dan Maritz, tells OFM News that the protest came as surprise to them following a series of engagements with student representatives. He has also lashed out at students for the violent protests and says although they have the constitutional right do to so, they have the responsibility of doing so in a peaceful manner.  He adds that the university has since paid over R70 million to all financially and academically deserving students and that no student has been denied access because of financial exclusion.

This, despite the Student Representative Council (SRC) deputy president, Tshegofatso Mojanaga, told OFM News this morning, some of the students have received at least R750 for accommodation instead of R2000 and R3000. She also said one student was forced to seek refuge at the nearest police station to sleep. Mojanaga said that if their demands are not met by the management the academic programmes will not continue. 

Meanwhile, Maritz further said students should understand that there are prescribed rules relating to these allocations and management must act responsibly to ensure that these allocations are for intended purposes as prescribed by NSFAS.

 “Unfortunately, victimisation of staff and students or any disruptions of normal academic activities on both campuses will not be tolerated, as it is a direct violation of the constitutional rights of any student who wants to study and attend classes. We remain determined to begin the academic year without further delays and that no student or staff member will be deprived of an opportunity to exercise their rights on campus,” he adds.

“Once again, I would like to extend my sincere apology to students, staff, parents, guardians, alumni and external partners for the inconvenience caused because of these unfortunate incidents. Let us continue to work together in promoting positive dialogue to resolve our differences and to begin the 2020 academic year successfully,” Maritz further adds.

OFM News