Talks between protesting students at the University of the Witwatersrand and management will continue, vice-chancellor and principle Loyiso Nongxa said at a media briefing on Thursday.
”Negotiations between students and management will continue on Friday until a compromise is reached,” he said, denying rumours that there was a breakdown in communications between protesters and management.
While the demands of the students are being reviewed, whether they will be met is another issue, he said. Students are demanding no increase in fees for next year. Nongxa said a 0% increase would not allow the university to keep up with international standards.
He added that allegations regarding the privatisation of residences were completely false.
”The university is not privatising residences, but has plans to enlarge one of the residences, Parktown Village 2, from about 150 to 560 beds, using public funding.”
Nongxa suggested that the increase of the student population in residences will add educational value to students.
He also said that the university is not increasing fees by 18%, but that the proposed fees increase is rather closer to 7% — with the exception of the Bachelor of Education degree, where an 18% fee hike is proposed in the interests of making better provision for aspirant teachers and for financial backing of those unable to pay fees.
In terms of safety for non-protesting students, management asked police to use minimal force against protesters. Registrar Derrick Swemmer said protesters had already caused malicious damage to property.
”They have pulled down displays, broken glass doors at the Chamber of Mines building and caused damage to private property belonging to a staff member and students,” Swemmer said. ”We cannot guarantee the safety of students as there are almost 800 lectures continuing simultaneously. Students, however, are still urged to attend lectures and are asked not to become confrontational with protesters.”
The university is still asking students to pay an upfront fee of R5 500 as a part of their yearly tuition fees, as agreed by the council.
Talks and further protests are expected to continue on Friday. — Sapa