A student leader at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has died after he was knocked down by a car following a “FeesMustFall” march in Pretoria, the university said on Friday.
Benjamin Phehla and two other students were injured when a motorists lost control of his car during a march on a road between the north and south campuses in Soshanguve on Thursday. The students had marched to the Union Buildings earlier on the day. Phehla later died in hospital.
“The protesters allegedly disrupted traffic between the north and south campuses in Soshanguve and three students were injured when a driver lost control of his car. It is with deep sadness, that the university has to announce that a student who was injured in this incident passed away last night,” the university said.
“Mr Benjamin Phehla was a former chairperson of the Faculty Student Council of ICT. The incident is currently under police investigation. The university has made counselling services available to affected staff and students.”
Groups of students marched to the Union Building on Thursday as part of the “FeesMustFall” campaign to hand over a memorandum at the seat of government. They demanded a decolonised free higher education system immediately and the release of all students arrested during the ongoing protests, among others.
The students became agitated when two unknown government officials were sent to receive the memorandum. They demanded that it be received by someone prominent and well known, such as Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.
Despite disruptions at its campuses, the university said it would ensure that the academic year was completed. Tests and other academic activities would continue on Saturday.
“Activities will also continue at all campuses on Monday, 24 October 2016. Staff and students are reminded that they will only be able to access campuses with their TUT identification cards. Students are requested to attend classes and prepare for the remaining tests that have been scheduled. Students are also encouraged to utilise myTutor and other virtual platforms for test schedules and other important information.”
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