The University of Zululand in northern KwaZulu-Natal has convened an urgent meeting with stakeholders to find a solution to the ongoing security concerns raised by students, many of whom live in off-campus accommodation.
The situation has led to student demonstrations earlier this week that shut down the university. University spokesperson Gcina Nhleko-Mdluli says the safety of students remains a priority.
“Today there is a high-level meeting which includes a multi-disciplinary meeting of stakeholders, there is a representation of SRC, landless forum, SAPS and university management. And we are trying to deliberate and jointly come up with a resolution that will be implemented to ensure the safety and security of students.”
Students concerns
On Monday, students at the University of Zululand voiced concerns over safety at off-campus residences.
The University’s Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Secretary-General Ndumiso Mahlase alleges that a student was killed during an incident last week, prompting students to embark on a demonstration to appeal for help.
Mahlase is calling on the university to take over more residences, saying that some properties owned by private landlords have raised concerns.
“The incidences where students are subjected to this harm and violence arises from those particular residences which are not under university supervision. The university must accredit more residences under its name as part of a long-term solution that must be implemented,” says Mahlase.
Classes were suspended on Monday at UniZulu as students protest over safety concerns:
Last week, the Higher Education and Training Department said it was investigating possible collusion between the institutions of higher learning management, student leadership and security companies at the University of Zululand.
According to Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande higher learning management, student leadership and security companies colluded in destabilising the university to procure more security services.
Nzimande said in some instances violence is instigated as a money-making exercise. He says he will take up the matter with the Police Minister and the Security cluster. -Additional reporting by Nonkululeko Hlope.
