TUT students protest living conditions at residence
“Students have to study using candles; plugs are tripping; they cannot charge their phones, even when there’s electricity; and geysers do not produce hot water.”
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) students, who reside at the Muzinda residence in Pretoria West, protested on Sunday, demanding that management do something about living conditions at the residence.
The students claimed that the building has been having electricity, water and infrastructure problems for some time.
They also claimed that the building has structural defaults and that it was collapsing.
They said the roof was falling apart and the ceiling was caving due to water that floods from the geysers.
“Students haven’t had basic access to water and electricity for two months,” said SRC member Keamogetswe Masike.
Masike said the students decided to protest because these issues have been going on for some time.
“Unfortunately, our pleas have been falling on deaf ears, so on Sunday students decided to protest. The students want electricity and better living conditions because they are paying.”
Masike said the Muzinda residence has always had a reputation for its poor infrastructure.
“All the university does is lease the building to a service provider and thus neglect its responsibility as an institution.
“They have neglected the responsibility of making sure that they renovate, fix faults and make sure that the building is in a good condition to accommodate students. They have given that role to a service provider who does not care much.”
Masike said students have reached the end of their tether.
“It is issue after issue; if there’s no electricity, it is water; if it’s not water, then the roof has fallen – so there’s always something.”
He said students cannot prepare for the exams that are ongoing because of the problems they are faced with.
“Students cannot bathe. We have girls that are staying there and their hygiene is very important. Their hygiene is now compromised.
“Students have to study using candles; plugs are tripping; they cannot charge their phones, even when there’s electricity; and geysers do not produce hot water.”
He said the university has asked them to give them time to resolve the issues they have raised but they have lost hope.
“They are saying they are intervening, but the students have been complaining for a long time and they haven’t been resolved yet. The students have lost confidence in the university and Muzinda’s management.”
Masike hoped the protest would prove fruitful.
“It is not necessary to burn tires up until Jesus comes, but it is necessary to demonstrate anger to show that you are agitated. As student leaders, it is important to make sure that students have a place conducive to learning.”
TUT spokesperson Phaphama Tshisikhawe said the management and the Tshwane metro met with the students at the residence on Monday and power has since been restored at the residence.
“Property management will monitor the power status. We are pushing for a speedy solution to the current problem through an urgent upgrade of the current electrical phase level of the property or an urgent installation of an alternative power source.
“Mobile showers and mobile generators have been made available to assist students while management and the City of Tshwane are working on a permanent solution.”
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