Protests close Durban University

MUT marketing and communications director Len Mzimela said lectures would resume on Tuesday.

 

The protests were over students owing the university money demanding to be registered.

 

He said an agreement had previously been reached with students owing more than R10,000 that they would be registered as long as they entered into negotiations on their outstanding debt.

 

Those protesting were those who refused to negotiate with the university.

 

"The majority of the students [owing more than R10,000] have taken us up and are registered. It's those who are insisting on registration without those arrangements that are protesting."

 

He said security at the campus in Umlazi had been beefed up and the protesters had been kept off campus.

 

Lectures had been suspended to ensure the safety of other students and staff.

 

The students were also protesting over a lack of accommodation.

 

"We are sensitive to their demands. We are currently building a 640-bed residence, but we simply cannot put this up overnight. Even when this is completed there will still be pressure for accommodation."

 

Comment could not immediately be obtained from the police.