University closed until October 10

MBOMBELA – Academic classes have been suspended at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP). UMP spokesman, Mr Themba Manana, said a special university council meeting was planned to address the challenges faced by the students.

Protests at the Mbombela campus began last week. University management ordered students to leave their residences on Thursday.

The students’ representatives handed over a memorandum on issues surrounding the current #FeesMustFall debacle last Monday.

The students are calling for the university not to increase fees in 2017. They also voiced complaints about funding and accommodation.

Also read: Rubber bullets fly over #FessMustFall 

Manana told Lowvelder that the decision to close the campuses was a result of a variety of criminal actions. There is growing concern among academic organisations about whether the academic year will be successfully concluded.  All scheduled tests and assignments have been postponed.

“The university believes that academic activities will return to normal after this break. Management remains committed to negotiations,” he said.

Also read: WARNING: Avoid agricultural college road due to ongoing protest at UMP

Higher education and training minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, convened a multistakeholder forum consultative meeting on Monday aimed at seeking solutions for the crisis.

“This is a crucial moment for our students as exams are upon us. We have called this multistakeholder consultative forum as we believe that the responsibility to find a solution lies with all of society. Access to higher education concerns us all, therefore we have to find solutions to this situation,” said Nzimande.

The president, Mr Jacob Zuma, also attended the meeting.