DUT classes to resume after violent protests

2011-08-02 16:38

Durban - The Durban University of Technology (DUT) will resume its academic programme next Wednesday, said a university spokesperson.

Classes were suspended last week after protesting students disrupted lessons and threatened non-striking students and staff.

"The suspension of academic activities was necessary to restore safety and stability on campus," said DUT principal Professor Ahmed Bawa.

The students had demanded that DUT provide branded condoms and sanitary towels in each student room, but the university said this would be costly and unsustainable.

Students also demanded that Bachelor of Technology students be given financial aid.

Bawa said the university wanted to ensure that the academic calendar was completed.

"We cannot further compromise our students in their quest for an education," he said.

DUT has obtained a court order against student representative council members and other students taking part in the strike prohibiting the continuation of protests, violence, intimidation of students and staff, damage to university property and the invasion of classes.

- SAPA