The management of the besieged Durban University of Technology, which experienced violent protest on its campus this week has decided to suspend all academic activities.
Acting Vice Chancellor, Nqabomzi Gawe said “after the meeting with Ministerial delegation today, to suspend all academic activities effective from March 24 until April 06 2010, which is the beginning of the new term.”
She said “this will give all the parties an opportunity to find much needed resolutions to the difficulties currently experienced by the institution. This only applies to all academic programmes on all campuses of DUT. All staff are expected to be at work during this period.”
Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande set up the task team to investigate problems facing the institution.
Students went on rampage in support of their demand to the university to increase the number of buses to and from the university, and provide better and cheaper food on campus.
During the protest university property was vandalised, cars damaged and classes disrupted. Sixty-two students were arrested with one student hit in the face by a rubber bullet. The university has reportedly vowed to take disciplinary action against the students.