Tshwane University of Technology to reopen following violent protests

Academic activities are set to resume at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Soshanguve North and South campuses Monday, 8 October, Rekord East reports.

This is according to TUT spokesperson Willa de Ruyter who said students may occupy their residences as of Sunday 7 October in order to prepare for the resumption of normal activities.

De Ruyter said ongoing violent protest action and damage to property that posed a serious risk to the safety of students and staff at these campuses left the University no choice but to suspend activities at the two campuses in order to restore normality.

She said safety is TUT’s first priority, therefore a security contingency plan was implemented that would, among others:

• Require students to use only designated entrances to these campuses. Students will not be allowed to enter campus if they use other entrances.
• All students will be vetted before they can access campus. Only registered students will be allowed onto campus and they will have to show a valid South African Identity document, student card and proof of registration for the 2018 academic year.
• Students must ensure that they print their proof of registration before coming to the campus, i.e. at an internet café or library.
• All staff and students must display their staff and student cards visibly at all times.
• Trespassers will be apprehended and charged for trespassing.

Faculties will arrange catch-up programmes and tests with students.

Year-end examinations for students at all TUT campuses, except the Soshanguve North and South campuses, will commence on 12 November.

She said more information on year-end exams for Soshanguve students would be communicated with them upon their return to campus.

Timetables for the year-end examinations will also be published on TUT’s Website under Examination Time Tables.