Students against Wits shutdown vow to 'Take Back Wits'

They've now started the "Take Back Wits" movement. 

Protests and clashes with police have halted the academic year, and classes did not start today as anticipated, but some students want to finish the year of study. 

Final year law student, Pervania Pillay said they will protest against any university shutdown.

"This is our lives at stake. This is our energy that we've invested. It's our last push. I'm in my final year of law. My parents expect me to bring a degree home at the end of this year. They expects me to start helping out with bills in January. How am I supposed to meet my deadlines? I'm sure I'm not the only student," Pillay said.

Pillay said the 77% of students who indicated that they wanted to return to class in the recent poll should not be silenced.

"When I spoke out against the protests...I was called a traitor. I'm not going to keep quiet. You need to stand up," she said.

Another student - who wished to remain anonymous - said there are students who are divided on the 'Fees Must Fall' campaign, but they all agree that they want to go back to class.

"We feel that not only for students who need to start with their careers next year, but we also feel that there are students living in residences or students who won't have access to university resources...the academic year needs to be finished. We are not saying the university fees are acceptable, we are saying we need to fight one fight at a time," he said.