TUT - all campuses closed down

The Soshanguve, Pretoria, and Ga-Rankuwa campuses were closed last week out amid fears for the safety of staff and students and to prevent further damage to university property. TUT also obtained a court order against students.

"The Emalahleni, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Arcadia and Arts campuses will also be indefinitely shut down now," said spokeswoman Willa de Ruyter.

She said TUT's executive management committee had met on Monday and heard reports of disruptions at campuses that were previously unaffected.

"In view of this, residence students have also been informed that the residences will be closed until classes resume."

Students are protesting against allocations by the National Student Financial Aid scheme, and the condition of their residences.

TUT management said it was working to resolve their complaints.

"Some of the difficulties faced by our students are of a systemic nature and cannot be resolved overnight," De Ruyter said.

"However, it should be noted that having legitimate concerns does not warrant unruly and violent behaviour, infringing on other people's rights."

TUT Rector Nthabiseng Ogude said the top priority was getting students back into class as soon as possible.

Source: SAPA via I-NET Bridge