Two universities have suspended in-person lectures following protests over incidents, including student accommodation and fee debt.

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) face disruptions as tensions escalate, forcing a shift to online learning platforms.

Lectures at DUT will continue online until further notice, while UCT staff have been advised to liaise with their line managers for specific work arrangements relating to their departments.

DUT released a statement today, saying they were committed to constructive and meaningful engagement on student-related matters exclusively through the Student Representative Council (SRC).

They said they were concerned by the disruptions on some of their campuses, caused by a group of protesters, many of whom are not registered students.

"They appear to be influenced by criminal elements, intent on compromising the safety and wellbeing of staff and students," said a statement.

“Following the violent protest action, members of the Executive Management Committee (EMC) and the Senate Executive Committee (Senex) met to discuss campus operations. The violence, intimidation and blatant disregard for the rights of others that was witnessed yesterday only strengthen DUT’s resolve.

“The university will not yield to the demands of criminals. EMC and Senex have decided to temporarily suspend lectures on Tuesday. Online lectures will commence on February 19 and be in place until further notice."

The stop to the academic programme will be on all seven DUT campuses.

“The university is not shut down. Campus is open. However, the academic programme is temporarily suspended for one day. Staff are expected to be at their workstations during this time. Late registration for students will continue. If there are any further developments, we will inform students via an official statement.

“DUT will not tolerate further disruptions to campus operations. Law enforcement authorities are currently on alert to ensure that the criminal protestors, who are in breach of a High Court interdict, are arrested and charged. We have already positively identified some of the culprits.

“The university understands that the situation is unsettling and traumatising for many students and staff who were victims of the violence and intimidation perpetrated by balaclava clad protestors on campus,” added the statement.

Professor Mosa Moshabela, vice-chancellor at UCT, said the protests have emanated from issues regarding fee debt and student housing, including transit and vacation accommodation.

"We wish to reiterate that measures have been put in place to support as many eligible students as possible. We acknowledge that students have the right to embark on peaceful and legitimate protest action on campus. Regrettably, access to upper campus was restricted and some lectures were impacted on Monday morning. Campus Protection Services were on site and attended to the various disruptive incidents across campuses," said Moshabela.

“We have decided to move some teaching to the online platform due to the protests. Further updates will be provided by deans in collaboration with heads of departments. UCT libraries have pivoted to virtual services and will resume contact services in line with the resumption of lectures.

"We remind all students that disruptive, violent and unlawful protest action would be in violation of the code of conduct and an interdict granted in May 2023, and will result in appropriate action by the university to safeguard the well-being of all staff and students.

“While university operations will continue, staff members are advised to liaise with their line managers for specific work arrangements relating to their departments. The above arrangements will remain in place until further notice. The university will continue monitoring the evolving situation,” said Moshabela.

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