DURBAN - A group of 25 Durban University of Technology (DUT) students blocked the entrance to the Steve Biko campus in Durban this morning demanding that the university admit them into a diploma programme in 2022.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said students began protesting at 8:30am.
“A group of students blockaded the entrance to the campus. The police were called to monitor the situation and the students dispersed peacefully. No incidents were reported,” she said.
The DUT’s senior director of corporate affairs, Alan Khan, said the students held a peaceful but unauthorised protest outside Gate 3 of the Steve Biko campus. He said no damage to property was reported.
Khan said reports indicated that the group was made up of DUT students who were enrolled for a higher certificate qualification.
The students allegedly wanted the university to admit them into a diploma programme in 2022, he said.
Khan said: “During a multiforum meeting held on Monday, November 15, 2021, the deputy vice-chancellor: teaching and learning at DUT, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, and the student representative council (SRC) discussed the issue related to the demands from some students studying higher certificates. The university was honest and transparent, and clearly reiterated its position, which was initially communicated to the SRC in March this year. A statement was also issued at the time.”
Simphiwe Mabika, who is studying for a higher certificate qualification in marketing, said she was misinformed.
“We were not informed that the course is an exit course. In the beginning, we were told that they would absorb 10% of students and there are many of us, while some might have to return home. So we ask management to hear our pleas as students because we don't know where to go from here. We are done with exams but we can't go back home without knowing what is going to happen next year.
“All we are asking is that they absorb us for our diplomas. We are here for a peaceful march,” said Mabika.
THE MERCURY