[LISTEN] University shutdown set to expand as students say: 'We are stopping registration'

A shutdown of universities is set to grow with 13 universities already affected by Tuesday. 

According to the SA Union of Students' Thabo Shingange say their aim is to shut down registration at all universities in the country. 

"We're hoping by Thursday we would have reached our 20 mark, because by 20, surely that is a national crisis that requires the attention perhaps even of the President," says Shingange. 

ALSO READ: EFF SC promise shutdown of universities over registration fees, historical debt

He says that while students want the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande to address their demands, they are willing to "take this to another level" is this does not happen. 

Listen to Shingange below: 

Students are protesting over historical debt that is preventing them from registering for the new academic year. 

"We are stopping registration until the Minister responds to these demands," says Shingange. 

He says if need be, students will mobilise other sectors to bring tertiary education in the country to a halt, including at colleges and TVET institutions. 

Shingange says some students are resorting to prostitution to raise the funds needed to register to study. 

"You are feeding depression into the system.  You are feeding students into extreme things," says Shingange. 

Listen to Shingange below: 

Shingange says while students have a right to protest, this should not mean that violence occurs. 

However, he says universities need to stop responding with heavy-handed tactics through the deployment of private security companies and the police. 

"We are appealing to universities, North West University in particular. We are appealing to Venda Univesity in particular," says Shingange. 

"Free State University we are warning the VC: maximum restraint, you will have a peaceful protest."

Listen to Shingange below: