The University of KwaZulu-Natal reversed its decision on Friday to have students removed from their residences.
University management had on Thursday instructed students to vacate their accommodation by noon on Friday.
On Thursday, in an email sent to all students, Vice Chancellor and Principal Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, requested that they vacate their living quarters “in context of the continued violence, the unwarranted arson, the unprecedented destruction of property and the threats to the safety and security in residences and on UKZN campuses”.
However, the university made an about-turn promptly on Friday, sending out another email from executive director for student services, Dr Sibusiso Chalufu, saying it had received “numerous requests for students to remain in residences to attend to various academic obligations…”
“These requests which have come from students and staff, present compelling reasons for us to keep the residences open,” Chalufu said.
Justifying the initial decision to close the residences, Chalufu said some students, including non-residence students, were using residences “as launch pads for the unprecedented destruction of property and threatened the lives of staff and other students”.
The return of students to residence was conditional, with no meetings, gatherings or visitors permitted.
Provincial police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said there were no incidents reported after the announcement.
“Police have been deployed to the campuses to monitor the situation and prevent any criminal activities.”
Source: News24
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