Student leader Mcebo Dlamini says Wits will remain shut

Student leader Mcebo Dlamini says Wits will remain shut

Student leader Mcebo Dlamini says Wits vice chancellor Adam Habib is a threat to the university and himself. 

Mcebo Dlamini Wits
Photo: Samkelo Maseko

Dlamini spoke to Jacaranda FM News ahead of a mass meeting at Solomon Mahlangu House on Sunday.


Students gathered to outline their plan of action, after the University announced it would reopen on Monday.


"Habib must know that we are not demanding free education from him. He must stop grandstanding and address internal issues, like suspended students," Dlamini says.


He further warned that protesting students would again shut down the university tomorrow. 

Dlamini also accuses Habib of addressing a huge crowd of white students and their parents, but failing to do the same with black students. 


"Habib sees us as hooligans and demagogues, but we shall soldier on and fight to restore the dignity of the African black child." 


Wits SRC general secretary Fasiha Hassan says the academic project is the only bargaining tool students have left. 

Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel says the university would reopen on several conditions.


"Students will be allowed to protest but only in specific, identified areas. Large groups of people engaged in protest action will not be allowed to gather outside the designated areas."  


Patel adds that anyone caught intimidating students or disrupting university activity would face the possibility of suspension.


"We are completely opposed to violent protest. As such, anyone carrying rocks, stones, weapons or any other items that can be used to destroy property or inflict harm will immediately be disarmed, and may be suspended."


Any student arrested, would immediately be suspended, Wits announced.


Patel says: "The mediation with the protesting students continues and is an ongoing process, but we actually can't afford to lose any more days if we are to save this year's academic programme." 


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