Parents’ Update from UKZN
11 February 2019
Dear Parent
The Executive Management Committee (EMC) and Student Leadership continued their engagement today to try to resolve the issues raised in the Memorandum.
On the basis of these key agreements, the EMC and Student Leadership have agreed the following:
- All Campuses will officially re-open tomorrow, 12 February 2019, to allow the registration process to continue for the remainder of the week. This will also allow space for the students affected by the clearance challenges to resolve their registration issues, especially students residing in residences.
- The academic programme will officially start on Wednesday, 13 February 2019.
- A plan of action has been also agreed to with respect to critical housing challenges which will be implemented during the course of this week, starting tomorrow.
- The EMC and Student Leadership will continue to engage on the remaining challenges raised in the Memorandum.
The EMC would like to commend the Student Leadership on their cordial and constructive engagement to date.
Thank you,
Regards
Professor Nana Poku
Vice-Chancellor and Principal (Acting)
10 February 2019
The suspension is to allow space to engage with student leadership and address matters whilst ensuring the safety and security of all concerned.
University Management met with student leadership on Friday, 8 February but were unable to reach an agreement as yet.
As you may have already heard, universities across South Africa including the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) have been affected by a series of unpleasant student protest action which has unfortunately affected teaching and learning.
As the University, we regret that this has come to pass and want to assure you that we are working around the clock to ensure that the academic calendar continues as planned.
While some of the demands such as those relating to the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) fall outside our control as a University, we are nonetheless engaging with all relevant stakeholders including the Student Representation Council (SRC), Department of Higher Education and Training as well as NSFAS to ensure that issues raised are resolved speedily.
Safety on campus remains one of our top priorities during this time, and in a bid to ensure peace on campus, we have increased security which is working closely with the South African Police to ensure the safety of property and staff.
Once the situation is back to normal, the registration period will be extended to cater for those students whose registrations were interrupted by the protest action. There will also be a catch-up plan that will ensure that the academic programme is back to optimal functionality.
We thank you for your patience and continued support. We will keep you updated on this matter.
–> <!–Issued by: UKZN EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
–>Important Contacts
Corporate Relations Division (CRD):
Tel: 031 260 7958 or email: CorporateRelations@ukzn.ac.za
Risk Management Services (RMS):
| Edgewood | (031) 260 3493 |
| Howard College | (031) 260 3777 |
| Medical School | (031) 260 3777 |
| Pietermaritzburg | (033) 260 5211 |
| Westville | (031) 260 7133 |
