Durban - Cosatu in KwaZulu-Natal has added its voice to the ongoing protests by workers at the University of Zululand and troubles facing the institution.
“We are calling for a speedy resolution of workers and student issues at the University of Zululand and a decisive intervention by Minister Blade Nzimande,” provincial secretary, Edwin Mkhize, said on Monday.
This follows the burning of university vehicles, causing damage estimated at R5 million. They were torched at the main campus in KwaDlangezwa, near Richards Bay, on Sunday night
The workers, led by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union, have been on a protected strike for more than a month.
Mkhize said the labour federation was demanding a meeting with Nzimande and the university management.
University spokeswoman, Gcina Nhleko, said private security was brought in and public order police also maintained a presence.
The strike, over wages, started on August 15. Two weeks later, the campus was closed because of violence on and off campus.
Classes resumed on September 14. An academic recovery plan was introduced.
The strike takes place amid media reports of maladministration, the alleged renewed issuing of fraudulent degrees and sex-for-marks scandals.
At its general council held about a week ago, the SACP had called on the university to convene a summit.
Themba Mthembu, provincial secretary, had said the university has well-documented problems contained in the reports of an assessor and administrators.
The university has previously said the SACP should use proper channels if it wanted to raise issues with it.
Daily News