Protesting students at the University of Witwatersrand has allegedly threatened to burn down the home of Vice-Chancellor Zeblon Vilakazi if he their demands are not met. This was confirmed by the university in a statement.

THE PROTEST

The students have been protesting since last week Tuesday demanding among others, the exclusion of over 6 000 students who they say have not been able to register for the 2023 academic year as they have historic debts, 1000 beds for students who have been sleeping in libraries and a waiver on the R10 000 initial instalment before admission to residence.  

THREATENING TO BURN DOWN VC'S HOME

Wits confirmed on Sunday that they had a meeting with the Student Representative Council (SRC) and that the students rejected concession presented by the university. University spokesperson Shirona Patel said following a mass meeting on Sunday, about 200 students, led by the SRC, chose to march to the Vice-Chancellor Vilakazi's home. "Some of the students threatened to burn the Vice-Chancellor's home. We condemn all forms of violence and implore the students, student leaders, and all other parties to exercise maximum restraint,".

"We are managing the situation as best as we can. However, while we continue to find solutions to these systemic challenges, this behaviour is unacceptable as a means to resolve conflict. We will continue to engage but also to preserve the integrity of the academic project, the safety of our staff and students and the University's infrastructure. It is also important and necessary for the academic programme to continue," Patel said. 

NOT BACKING DOWN

SRC confirmed that some of the students who don't have accommodation decided to peacefully sleep outside the Vice-Chancellor's house in a bid to demonstrate the state of hopelessness and how dire the situation is. Addressing students on Sunday night, SRC President Aphiwe Mnyamana said that they will not retreat or surrender. 

"We met with the senior management, and we wanted the VC to be there but he was not, this shows that Wits is still arrogant. Our number one demand is that all students be allowed to register regardless of how much they owe. We also said to them that all students and members of the SRC who are suspended, those suspensions must be lifted because we are exercising our right by protesting," he said. 

TEACHING AND LEARNING TO CONTINUE

The university said that teaching and learning in a blended learning mode will continue on Monday. They advised students to check their Learning Management System Ulwazi for further details. "Professional and administrative staff should check in with their line managers on what is expected from them. All student facing services are expected to continue and staff members who serve students are expected to be at work. All essential services staff members are required to report to work, University spokesperson.

The Dean of Student Affairs will be meeting with protesting student representatives on Monday.