TUT remains closed pending interdict

Tshwane University of Technology in Soshanguve. File photo: Masi Losi

Tshwane University of Technology in Soshanguve. File photo: Masi Losi

Published Feb 2, 2014

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Pretoria - The Tshwane University of Technology said on Sunday it remained closed pending the serving of an interdict related to evictions of students from residences.

“(TUT) is aware of an Interdict awarded to the Central Student Representative Council yesterday 1/8Saturday 3/8,” said university spokeswoman Wilma de Ruyter said in a statement.

“The university is currently awaiting the Sheriff to serve it on the institution.”

She said all campuses remained closed and students should not return until they received official communication from the tertiary institution.

On Saturday, the Socialist Youth Movement (SYM) and the Tshwane University of Technology's SRC won an interdict against the unlawful eviction of students from the institution's residences.

The High Court in Pretoria ordered TUT's management to immediately allow students back to their residences, said SYM national convenor Elmond Magedi.

The university was also ordered to pay the costs of the court application.

Previously, students were sent packing on Friday following the institution's announcement that it was shutting down until further notice, as students protested against a shortfall in money from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

On Sunday, representatives of the SRC and SYM complained that the university was not letting students back into residences.

Elmond Magedi, SYM convenor said in a statement that the students had called police to intervene.

“The police were of little help as they were also told by campus protection service that unless (vice chancellor Nthabiseng) Ogude gives them a go-ahead they won't be able to allow students in.”

Magedi compared the university management to “mine owners who enjoy exploiting our parents”. - Sapa

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