WSU students call for on-campus pub

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The students said they did not understand why lecturers had their own watering hole inside the campus - the Pink House - while they did not.

They said student bars were a trend at other institutions of higher learning and drinking helped them to "de-stress" after a long day in class.

The proposal for a pub on campus was made yesterday during an awareness campaign to discourage public drinking, which was harming the institution's image.

They blamed WSU's restriction of alcohol inside the premises, which forced them to go out to the forecourt.

Hundreds gathered yesterday inside a tent at the same spot for the launch of the campaign initiated by the students' representative council. - Loyiso Mpalantshane

Popular Rhythm City actor Mduduzi "Suffocate" Mabaso has been appointed as the face of the "Dignified Fun for a Dignified Graduate and Academic".

Second-year law student Sheila Biggar, 20, said it was impossible to focus on studies all the time.

"Them saying it [public drinking] is not allowed does not make much of a difference. They should find us a chilling spot if they want to protect the image of the school," she said.

Second-year education student Mawanda Mpahlwana said alcohol use did not mean they would fail.

"The bar would be controlled by the management. They can never stop students from drinking. That's why they need to find a suitable place for them to drink. It will also save them from falling victims to criminals when they drink outside," he said.

SRC president Sinelizwi Mgontshongo said alcohol use among students had not reached crisis level because 75% were teetotallers. He said public drinking not only disgraced WSU, but limited employment prospects for graduates.

"We are in talks with management for a bar where bottles would be restricted," he said.