Lecturers go on rampage at university

Angry Walter Sisulu University (WSU) staff members went on the rampage on Wednesday (13 March), burning tyres at the College Street and Chiselhurst campuses in protest actions that formed part of a strike.

By Mamela Gowa

15 Mar 2013

Protesters said they had many grievances with the institution, the main ones being salary increases and absorbing contract workers, some of whom had worked for the institution since 2008.

"These people do not take us seriously. Last year we demanded a 15% salary increase but they gave us a once-off 5% and promised there would be negotiations towards the end of last year but that never happened.

"This year they were supposed to give us an increase but they ignored us," said one employee. A notice was reportedly issued last week to the institution's management informing them of the strike actions but Buffalo City students said they had not been informed about the protests.

"We want our money. Management can't expect us to continue doing a good job while they are not paying us well. The cost of living is going up," said one employee.

A meeting between National Education Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) representative and WSU"s representatives was held on Thursday (14 March) at the Chiselhurst campus.

But an angry crowd of employees gate-crashed the meeting singing struggle songs and demanding their grievances be attended to urgently.

After causing havoc at the meeting the employees started a fire on the campus grounds. Police were called in to calm the situation.

First-year information technology student Siphe Bangindawo was among many disappointed students who arrived only to find there were no classes taking place. Institutional Student Representative Council member Anele Nkoyi said students had not been notified of the strike.

"It affects us directly because this is a very short semester We need time to prepare for exams." Nkoyi added.

WSU spokesperson Angela Church said: "I can confirm labour union Nehawu has issued an intention to the office of the administrator to strike. An official strike has not been declared.

The affected sites included Buffalo City, Butterworth and Zamakulungisa campuses.

Source: Daily Dispatch via I-Net Bridge

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