Talks to continue at TUT

The Tshwane University of Technology will continue talks with student leaders in an effort to reopen its campuses, the institution said. Photo: Phill Magakoe

The Tshwane University of Technology will continue talks with student leaders in an effort to reopen its campuses, the institution said. Photo: Phill Magakoe

Published Sep 22, 2014

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Pretoria - The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will continue talks with student leaders on Monday in an effort to reopen its campuses, the institution said.

“We hope to reach a resolution very soon,” said spokeswoman Willa de Ruyter.

She said TUT management was willing to engage with student leaders but said they needed assurances that there would be no violence.

The university closed all its campuses on Saturday following a spate of violent protests, during which 18 cars were burnt.

“The Tshwane University of Technology has announced that all campuses will be closed from today, 20 September,” De Ruyter said at the time.

Spokeswoman Lt-Col Khensani Magoai said cases of malicious damage to property and public violence were opened, following the torching of the cars.

No injuries were reported and no one had been arrested. She said police were monitoring the situation.

The protests have seen the closure of the institution on a number of occasions and the suspension of the Student Representative Council (SRC).

The suspension was lifted on Wednesday following talks between the two parties.

On September 17, it was agreed that the strike would be suspended and lectures would resume.

De Ruyter said management's decision on Saturday followed a violent protest that erupted at the Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa campuses causing extensive damage to university property and threatening the safety of students.

She said the institution would bring the official recess forward to commence on Monday, September 22. Talks with student leaders would continue during that time.

“This decision was reached in consultation with the chair of the Tshwane University of Technology's Council. The university will advise on the formal re-opening of the university. Updated information will be published on our website,” she said.

Students were protesting against the lack of funds in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. - Sapa

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