Students and contract workers gathered and protested "illegally" on campus on Friday, littering and throwing garbage around, he said.

In a Facebook video message, the rector said the perpetrators had been identified and the students involved would be charged immediately and face disciplinary action.

He said the employees involved had breached their contract with their employers and their access to the campus would be denied.

"The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority," Janse van Rensburg said.

Thanking security services for their swift actions, he said no property was damaged and no one was injured during the protests, and academic activities and graduation ceremonies continued uninterrupted.

A spontaneous clean-up action was initiated by students of all races immediately after the protest, he said, leaving the campus spotless.

Students also prayed for peace at the university, he said.

"We learned a few lessons. As from tonight, access control will be intensified. Fewer gates will be open and the identity of every occupant in the vehicle will have to verified," he said.

He said student leaders would be equipped with additional skills to handle provocation, and to transfer these skills to their fellow students.

"The securing of buildings will also be intensified."

Violent clashes broke out at the University's Mafikeng campus on Wednesday afternoon, leaving a number of students injured.

Academic activities have been suspended indefinitely at the campus, and might only resume after three months.

-news24.com