Sol Plaatje University students call off protest action ... for now

SOL PLAATJE University (SPU) students said they returned to classes on Tuesday following protest action on Monday over the non-payment of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances and fees.

Students said they were “homeless and hungry” as their allowances were still outstanding, while some study fees had also not yet been paid.

A large group of students marched through the CBD on Monday, where a stand-off with police unfolded outside Luka Jantjie House.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said members from the Kimberley Public Order Police Unit were deployed to the scene.

“Police used rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, who were throwing stones. A police vehicle was reportedly damaged,” she said.

Colonel Ehlers added that police were investigating cases of public violence and malicious damage to property.

“The situation is currently stable, however police will continue to monitor it,” she said.

Two students injured

Students said on Tuesday that they had temporarily called off protests.

“We will wait until the end of the week to see if any funds are deposited into our accounts before we decide on our next course of action,” they said.

They indicated that two students were injured when the police fired rubber bullets.

“One student was hit by a rubber bullet in the head while another was injured in the arm. They received medical care on the scene and are back on campus,” a student said.

According to a statement from SPU, university management convened an urgent meeting on Monday at the request of the Student Representative Council (SRC) to address matters relating to student financial appeals, allowances and the resumption of academic activities.

It stated that following constructive engagement, it was agreed that:

• Approximately 250 students who submitted late financial appeals would have their appeals processed and finalised by the close of Wednesday, February 18.
• Book allowances will be processed, and qualifying students will be able to view this on iEnabler by February 20 and access the funds by February 23.
• The payment of allowances will be prioritised, beginning with NSFAS-funded students and thereafter proceeding to other bursaries and scholarships.
•  Afternoon classes would resume on the afternoon of February 16

SPU condemns disruptive behaviour

The university indicated that a minority of students continued to engage in disruptive behaviour in contravention of the agreement reached on Monday.

“The university affirms its commitment to protecting the constitutional right to peaceful protest. However, any form of violence, intimidation, or unlawful conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Any student who attempts to take or interfere with the property of another student, including a laptop, commits an act of theft and will be subject to criminal proceedings.

“Every member of the university community has the right to a safe and secure teaching and learning environment. The university will not hesitate to institute disciplinary action against any student found to have breached the university’s rules for student conduct,” it added.

SPU warned that any further disruptions would result in the immediate nullification of the agreement concluded on Monday.

“Appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken. The university remains committed to resolving matters through structured engagement and to ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the academic programme,” it stated.