A poster with different student movements' logos, and "MARIKANA IS UNDER ATTACK" written in red, circulated on different social media platforms recently.

It was meant as an invitation to students of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Welkom, to gather and protest at the university's campus. 

The protesting students say the university has the responsibility to ensure that the staff and the students are safe on their premises.

This came after a squatter camp was built on campus last week. Students claimed the Department of Higher Education is marginalising students who reside in private accommodation. 

Student representatives and leaders from different political structures on campus said this is the result of failed talks between the university's management and its students. 

They handed over a memorandum of demands to the CUT's management, and lamented that the accommodation crisis could have been avoided, had the university built a student residence on land that was purchased to accommodate about 400 students.  

SRC leaders say they have been patiently waiting for the university to start construction, but nothing has happened on the particular piece of land in question.

When they resolved to build the shacks on campus grounds, they claimed management hired private security to harass them.  

Speaking to OFM News, a student leader who wished to remain anonymous, said this is as a result of the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) guideline which states students not residing in accredited student accommodation, are not eligible for accommodation allowances; only students staying in accredited university residences. 

It is alleged students previously engaged with the university’s management, which resorted to sending a letter to the Department and NSFAS to intervene and reconsider their decision. 

A series of meetings were hosted in Cape Town, pending a decision from Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, whether or not to approve that students staying in private accommodation can also receive allowances. 

Meanwhile, the CUT's management has suspended all activities at the university in order to mitigate the security risks. They requested that their staff work from home or online and said it will enable the management to assess and monitor the situation and provide a solution. 

The law enforcement officers will be visible at campus. The management has also said the students who had erected the informal structures unlawfully, should collect their zinc and material at the main gate of the university on Monday afternoon. If not collected, the university will dispose of the material not collected.

OFM News has sent an enquiry to the campus director. 

OFM News/Isaac Mosia