DUT protests continue

Protesting Durban University of Technology students have set one of the institution’s cars alight and thrown rocks at the executive director’s office on the Pietermaritzburg campus, the Witness reported on Thursday.

There had been protests on all campuses and Wednesday’s violence forced the institution to suspend classes.

Since the beginning of the semester, students had demanded financial aid towards the BTech degree, which was not allowed by the higher education department and the National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Vice chancellor Ahmed Bawa said they suspended classes because of vandalism and fears for the safety of staff and students.

He said the university was continuing to talk to the department and NSFAS about the matter.—Sapa