Parents’ Update from UKZN

13 March 2019

Following two days of intense negotiations and engagement, yesterday the Executive Management and the Student Leadership reached agreement on the following issues:

• Special examinations
• Admission to postgraduate studies
• Readmission after exclusion
• Support to readmitted students
• Progression rule for Legal Studies
• Academic exclusions
• Financial assistance for postgraduate students
• Financial assistance for NSFAS appeals for returning students
• Financial assistance for NSFAS applications for new students
• Wi-fi at leased residences
• Rape cases
• Late registrations

The Student Leadership and the Executive Management committed themselves to work jointly to identify and pre-empt issues and to ensure that these are acknowledged in a manner that prevents escalation to protest action which compromises the academic programme.

Earlier today, 13th March 2019, a small group of students embarked on violent protest action and disrupted classes on the Westville Campus. The protesting group have committed acts of arson, causing grave damage to University property, including buildings, as well as intimidation of staff and students.

The University Management strongly condemns these acts and has opened a case of public violence with the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Risk Management Services (RMS) is also busy reviewing the video footage of the violent protest action with a view to bringing criminal prosecutions and University disciplinary action against key individuals. In addition, the University Management is seeking a court interdict against further protest.

Further communication will be provided as matters progress.

Issued by
UKZN Executive Management Committee

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12 March 2019

After two days of intense engagement between the Executive Management and the Student Leadership, please be advised that the academic programme will resume officially on Wednesday, 13 March 2019.

The Executive Management is appealing to members of the academic staff to have all tests and assignments postponed to the week of 18 March 2019.

We would like to thank the University Community and all stakeholders for their support and understanding during the protest.

Thank you.

Issued by
Mr S Mokoena
Registrar

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10 March 2019

The Executive Management (EMC) took a decision to suspend the academic programme at the Edgewood and Westville campuses on 7 March 2019 and at the Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses on 8 March 2019.

The suspensions of the academic programme at all four campuses will continue until further notice.

At this stage the student leadership has not formally submitted a list of issues and/or concerns to management. However, the EMC will be engaging with the student leadership on Monday, 11 March 2019 to find solutions that will enable the immediate resumption of the academic programme.

Regards
Professor Nana Poku
Vice-Chancellor and Principal (Acting)

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8 March 2019

Please be advised that the Executive Management (EMC) have taken a decision to suspend the academic programme at Howard College Campus with immediate effect until further notice.

Staff and students are advised to use their judgement in terms of ensuring their safety and security.

However, in the event that the situation does not improve, management will consider shutting down the campus including the residences.

Other operations of the University will continue as normal in the interim. 

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7 March 2019
Dear Staff, Students and Parents

Please be advised that the Executive Management (EMC) have taken a decision to suspend the academic programme at Edgewood and Westville Campuses with immediate effect until further notice.

Staff and students are advised to use their judgement in terms of ensuring their safety and security.

However, in the event that the situation does not improve, management will consider shutting down the campus including the residences. Other operations of the University will continue as normal in the interim. 

Issued by
Mr S Mokoena
Registrar

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