No lectures on Monday, says MUT management
Student representatives at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in Umlazi say lectures cannot go ahead as planned on Monday, while major staff and student issues remain unresolved.
Management was caught off guard on Thursday when students took to the streets again.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Manyane Makua says they met with representatives on Wednesday and felt that they'd made progress on a number of issues.
"The demands that the students raised, we were able to deal with them in the meeting because they are immediate. But some of them. they are long term and they have to take an engagement further by the executives."
Some 200 students barricaded a portion of the busy Mangosuthu Highway with burning tyres, mattresses and fridges taken from residences, before facing off with police.
Authorities fired rubber bullets and a water cannon to try to disperse the group. SRC president Mthokozisi Gumede says they want the exam results - of those with outstanding fees - to be released.
They're asking for resources like laptops and data and say the matter between the varsity and striking staff needs to be resolved.
"If they are saying classes are commencing on Monday, at this institution we can take 13 000 students. But at this point in time, there are no less than 3 000 students registered.
"So who is going to attend those classes, how is the institution expecting students to attend classes with hungry stomachs and no accommodation, where are they going to sleep. So, if the situation continues, nothing that is going to happen."
The MUT says unions have demanded an 8% salary increase for staff - the varsity's offering 3.3%.
