Minister calls for calm outside Union Buildings
Chaotic scenes have continued to unfolded at the Union Buildings in Pretoria with heavy rocks being thrown by angry protesters towards police, who fired stun grenades in return.
Pockets of the protesters have also been starting fires on the lawns of the Union Buildings.
Black smoke could be seen billowing from the crowd of students as objects were burned on the lawns.
In response police brought out a water cannon vehicle and attempted to put out various.
They also used the water to spray the protesters in a bid to disperse them.
The students want the president to emerge from his meeting with student representatives and university management and address them, saying they have been waiting too long.
They had given the president an hour's deadline to address them.
Earlier, the impatient students cut open a portion of a barrier fence that stands a short distance from the steps of the Union Buildings.
State Security Minister David Mahlobo came out and tried to reason with the students who chanted "We Want Zuma".
"Now, the President is going to come out and address you on the way forward. We're trying to find an amicable solution to the problem. Please be patient," he pleaded.
Newswatch reporter Maryke Vermaak earlier reported that the situation was getting much more tense then it had been.
"Others are cheering saying Blade must go. People are throwing rocks at the police that have moved up to the fence," she reported.
Students also threatened journalists, including Vermaak, saying they are not allowed to take any pictures.
The crowd is still waiting for President Zuma to address them.
(Photo: Twitter/Poloko Tau)