NMU student protest resumes

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS - The student protest at the Nelson Mandela University George Campus resumed this morning, Friday 24 February, when a group of students again gathered at the campus entrance from early morning, blocking entrance to staff and other students.

As on Monday during the first protest action, only catering staff were allowed in. There were no lectures this week.

According to staff members who were sitting around at the entrance this morning, they were allowed in late on Wednesday afternoon. They also worked yesterday, Thursday 23 February.

Issues that have led to the protest include inadequate accommodation for first-year students, and some students not being able to register because their National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursaries have not paid out yet. Students who are not registered, are unable to access on- or off-campus accommodation in George. Students who don't have accommodation have been "squatting" in other students' rooms.

The students are also unhappy about certain students' concessions not being approved. Concessions are granted annually by the university to some deserving students who are unfunded.

Chairperson of the student representative council (SRC) Sinalithemba Kwaza said they have not had feedback from the university management yet. They had given them 72 hours to respond.

Milisa Piko, head of communications at the campus, said various committees of the university management have been meeting during the week to discuss students' concerns. "The students feel that their specific and direct issues have not been attended to, although the university has provided comprehensive feedback in engaging with the SRC. These are not overnight decisions."

VIDEO - A group of Nelson Mandela University students at the George Campus participated in protest action over accommodation and fee issues (Video: Udy Obi).

She confirmed that the university had obtained an interdict during previous protests that prohibits students from blocking the entrance to the campus. The interdict stipulates that any protest action is limited to the rugby field.

"The interdict does not take away the students' right to peaceful protest, but it does acknowledge the fact that such protest must not infringe on other people's right to enter the campus. The university needs essential staff to enter, such as cleaning, horticulture and maintenance staff. The extended load-shedding periods are affecting our network and the generators need to be refuelled to keep the lights on and systems going. This will also ensure students' safety and allow them to be able to connect with the outside world and with their families. Connection is essential in case of emergency."

Community members asked to not enter university premises

Piko asked members of the community such as trail runners, walkers and cyclists to steer clear of the university premises until further notice. "We acknowledge that friction could develop because of the internal issues and we wouldn't want the community to experience these challenges."

Lectures to start on Monday 27 February

Piko said the university's executive committee of senate (ECS) has met to discuss various institutional issues, including a request from the SRC to postpone the commencement of lectures with two weeks. "The request from student leadership to postpone the start of lectures was to allow time for the concerns raised by students to be discussed. ECS approved a proposal for lectures to begin on Monday 27 February."

Previous article: No lectures at NMU after student protest

Protesting students at the entrance. In the front are Mulalo Malema from the EFF and chairperson of the student representative council (SRC) Sinalithemba Kwaza. Photo: Udy Obi