DUT suspends classes again

Published Jul 25, 2011

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The Durban University of Technology (DUT) on Monday halted all academic programmes due to violent student protests, the second time in as many weeks.

“We have had to close all Durban campuses,” DUT spokesman Alan Khan said.

On Monday some students destroyed university property and disrupted lectures.

“Considering the risk to the 23 000 students who are not involved in the protest and the safety of staff, we could not risk the safety of the wider university community,” he said.

Attempts to end the protests had not been successful.

On Saturday the Student Representative Council met acting deputy director-general of higher education, Kirti Menon, to determine why the government could not provide extra financial aid for Bachelor of Technology students.

“Students also used the opportunity to table their grievances and demands to government,” said Khan.

According to DUT vice chancellor Professor Ahmed Bawa, the government did not provide funding for B Tech studies, but only for education and nursing.

Students further wanted the institution to provide branded condoms and sanitary towels to student hostels. The university has said this would be costly and unsustainable.

The Durban campuses would remain closed until further notice. – Sapa

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