TUT wants to keep 2020 academic year going
“The University cannot allow students to live in residences while construction work is taking place.”
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) management has pledged to keep the academic year fully functional despite disruptions at its campuses this week.
The academic year had been previously halted by the Covid-19 pandemic and this week, the university’s activities were further disrupted by protests at its residences and campuses.
On Tuesday, TUT management put measures in place to ensure all activities could continue safely and without interruption.
However, on Wednesday students were urged to rather continue working remotely due to the protests.
“Unfortunately, the academic and support activities at the Pretoria (West), Arcadia and arts campuses were again disrupted by a group of residence students,” said TUT management in a statement.
It said the disruptions were caused by students who were unwilling to relocate to alternative accommodation to allow for emergency maintenance and structural improvements required at five of the university’s residences.
ALSO READ: TUT seeks relief from court over ongoing protests
“We have had to start work on the critical maintenance projects as a matter of urgency.
“We also have to comply with health and safety legislation. The university cannot allow students to live in residences while construction work is taking place.”
It said alternative off-campus accommodation near the Pretoria West campus, that complied to set norms and standards, had been secured through an accreditation process.
“Bus transport has been arranged for students and there will be no additional expenses for students associated with this temporary relocation.
“Many students residing at on-campus residences do not want to move and see no point in moving,” a campus student council representative, who asked to remain anonymous, said.
She said TUT could refurbish the residences without the students having to move.
“We have to move away from Kollegehof residence in Gezina, because the building is about to collapse.”
She said however, this was not going to happen as the Madeira Isles residence had small rooms, which they needed to share.
“We don’t want to go to Madeira Isles. We want to move to a residence that can offer us single rooms and privacy that is convenient for us.
“It does not make sense to go to Pretoria West.”
TUT vice-chancellor and principal Lourens van Staden said: “The extensive and much-needed renovations and upgrading of residences at a number of our campuses had commenced during the latter part of 2019.”
He said this was, however, halted due to the national Covid-19 lockdown.
ALSO READ: TUT students to return to residences, with restrictions
He said the Madeira Isles complex could also accommodate 1 000 beds, while having 24/7 security, had Wi-Fi and fitted kitchens with washing machines.
Van Staden said the students had lost too much time due to Covid-19 and could not afford to waste more time.
“We have a lot of catch-up to do and really cannot afford to lose more time.”
He said staff members at the Pretoria West, Arcadia and arts campuses were requested to continue working remotely.
“Given the successful completion of the academic year, students studying at these campuses are also urged to continue online and with paper-based learning material tomorrow.
“The successful completion of the academic year is of the utmost importance,” TUT management said.
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