UKZN SRC distances itself from violent student demonstrations
The University of KwaZulu-Natal's student representative council says it had nothing to do with the torching of buildings and other properties at three campuses this week.
"The burning of buildings really affects our general struggle because it diverts our attention. Our struggle is genuine; whoever is responsible for burning of the buildings must account," says SRC president Sifiso Simelane.
Simelane says they'll continue with their protests to get the suspensions dropped for students who failed last year.
The university was meant to open for the first term on Monday, but it's had to halt the academic programme this week due to violent and chaotic demonstrations.
READ: UKZN cancels classes for the week due to violent student protests
Protestors torched a guardhouse and kitchen at the Pietermaritzburg campus.
At the Westville campus a portion of a gymnasium and a mobile office were set alight.
Meanwhile, a fire burned through the HIV Support Centre at Howard College.
Simelane says he isn't happy with the varsity's decision to suspended lectures.
"Management must be honest to students; suspending the academic programme does not address the fundamental issues. The issues here is that students must be cleared to register."
