Classes at UP suspended for the day
A group of students on Monday morning prevented University of Pretoria (UP) personnel from entering an assembly hall where a meeting was scheduled with the Rector.
The Senate has decided to conduct a series of meetings with staff and students to try and get classes back on track but protesting students are demanding a mass meeting with all stakeholders on free higher education.
Protesting students are, however, demanding a mass meeting with all stakeholders over free higher education.
UP spokesperson Anna-Retha Bouwer said the campus opened for talks this morning, but the safety of the students and staff had to be taken into account.
"The academic programme at UP has been suspended for today to allow time for engagement between staff and students to address the call for free higher education," Bouwer said.
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"We are fully committed to completing the academic year. The University recognises the concern of parents and students who are anxious to continue with the academic programme. However, in light of the recent violent incidents at other universities and in the interest of the safety of staff and students, it is important that the University reaches a level of consensus that will help avoid any further disruption. This, we trust, will give us the best chance to complete the current academic year," University management said.