Wits SRC elections continue without EFF
“The elections are underway, and should continue as planned.
The suspensions are set aside, and the respondent [Wits] is instructed to allow the students direct access to the university facilities such as lecture halls, libraries, laboratories and dining halls,” Judge Motsamai Makume said.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) lodged an urgent court application on Wednesday. The party wanted the SRC elections to be postponed to allow the party to take part, and that the suspension of its students be lifted.
On Monday, the university council reversed its decision to ban the party at the institution after a meeting with EFF leaders.
The SRC elections got underway on Wednesday and would end on Thursday.
The seven suspended students, six of which are members of the EFF, were accused of disrupting an election debate last week, where blows were exchanged during the heated debated that degenerated into chaos.
The court decision meant that the EFF would not take part in the elections.
Member of the EFF central command team, Dali Mpofu said his party felt vindicated by the court ruling.
“We are delighted and feel vindicated by the ruling. (Wits vice chancellor and principal) Adam Habib is supposed to be a parent to these youngsters…but the most important thing is that the students would continue with their academic life at the university,” Mpofu told journalists outside court.
He added that the EFF would win next year’s SRC elections at the institution.
“The only reason the judge could not give an order regarding the elections is because they are underway.
Student elections happen every 12 months, the EFF will win next year… and I am telling you that time Habib will not be there.”
Shirona Patel, spokesperson for the university said her institution welcomed the ruling.
“We understand the ruling on the suspensions and commit to follow processes and lift the suspensions as instructed by the judge.
We are glad that the elections are continuing, and we appeal to students to engage peacefully and according to the rules,” she said.
Habib and the council acted within the rules when they suspended the students, said Patel.
“The main issue is the safety and security of students and non violence.”
ANA