University denies #UPResCrisis claims

Picture: Twitter

Picture: Twitter

Published Feb 14, 2017

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*Article has been updated

Pretoria – The #UPResCrisis hashtag filled the twitter sphere on Monday evening and on Tuesday morning about black students allegedly being kicked out in the middle of the night by the University of Pretoria’s security personnel.

Numerous tweets chastised UP for allegedly giving preference to white students who were financially better off and leaving students from disadvantaged backgrounds to contend with expensive private accommodation.

Rikus Delport, Tuks spokesperson, said the tweets were from people who were trying to create an issue where there was none.

"It is not true. All students were offered accommodation last night and they refused. They then went into the toilet and pretended to be sleeping there while taking pictures which they posted on social media," Delport added.

User @Dee_DimpleZ tweeted: "Every year students must display their struggles for yall to take them seriously neh @UPTuks? #UPResCrisis."

"Students from Waterkloof with cars are placed in res while students from as far as Malamulele in Limpopo are homeless on campus, #UPResCrisis," wrote @Thabelang07.

"Hearing female screams from campus now I'm panicking yini kwenzaka ntoni ni right guys eish how can I sleep after that #UPResCrisis," said @AfriqueSandy.

Only Blacks r subjected 2 these inhumane conditions. Sleeping in th streets while NSFAS Vacation Squad is 'confirming' funding. #UPResCrisis pic.twitter.com/jVU26JvNBH

— Babes Womzabalazo (@NalediChirwa) February 13, 2017 #UPResCrisis pic.twitter.com/mHAFlHM3Zs

— MathapeloMaganedisha (@IamSankara) February 13, 2017

Pictures of students holding placards next to their bags in the street and some allegedly sleeping in toilets were also posted online.

Online tweets of a pregnant student being injured by bouncers during the removal of students also surfaced.

@RietzieRoozel: "#UPResCrisis pregnant student beaten up by private security while their superiors watch."

Kabelo Mahlobogwane, chairperson of the EFF Student Command at the UP, confirmed a pregnant student had indeed been injured in the altercation. 

Pretoria News

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