Protest disrupts KwaZulu-Natal lectures
2013-03-18 14:48
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Durban - Lectures at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Howard
College campus were disrupted on Monday by students protesting over
accommodation.
"Protesting students on the Howard College Campus
have disrupted classes," university spokesperson Nomonde Mbadi said.
"We have received reports that some of the protesters
are armed with sticks, stones and some are carrying hammers."
Police spokesperson Thulane Zwane said: "We can
confirm that there is no serious incident reported at this stage. Approximately
50 students are protesting outside the gate and police are monitoring the
situation."
No damage to property had been reported, nobody had been
injured and no arrests had been made.
About 560 students were initially housed in a building in
Durban's Albert Park, but were left without lights and water after the landlord
allegedly failed to pay the service bill.
They were forced to move out earlier this month.
The university put them up at various hotels around the
city centre.
Last week, some of the students were forced out of the
Coastlands Hotel where an ANC local government conference was taking place.
Some were housed in the Down Town Lodge in Durban's Point
area.
Its owner is currently accused of running a brothel from
the premises.
The students are being accommodated at The Pavilion
Hotel, Impala Holiday Flats, and Seaside Hotel.
They want permanent accommodation.
Mbadi said: "The university strongly condemns any
act of violence, intimidation and damage to property. The university has given
the accommodation matter high priority and we are hopeful that a permanent
solution will be in place, soon."
- SAPA
