Campus closed after protest
2013-02-12 21:38
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Johannesburg - The University of Fort Hare, in the
Eastern Cape, temporarily closed its Alice campus on Tuesday after violent
protests about increased residence fees.
"All the students are required to vacate the
premises of the university by no later than 17:00 on 12 February,"
university Vice Chancellor Mvuyo Tom said in a statement.
He said the continuing violent demonstrations, which were
accompanied by the intimidation of staff and the destruction of property, had
resulted in the closure of the campus until next Tuesday.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Dispatch Online reported that
students burnt tyres and blocked the university's entrance, preventing senior
management from entering.
This happened despite a court order issued by the Eastern
Cape High Court in Bhisho preventing the students from protesting.
The DA Student Organisation (Daso) said the increase in
residence fees was unacceptable as most students were from poor families.
"Daso also objects to the shocking living conditions
of the students," said MP Atholl Trollip in a statement.
"Four students cannot be expected to share a room,
which has been originally created for two students."
He said a petition would be circulated to urge Higher
Education Minister Blade Nzimande to intervene.
"We call on the minister to urgently intervene, as
this disruption in education and inhumane living conditions cannot be allowed
to prevail," said Trollip.
- SAPA
