DUT campuses stay closed
Students asked to use online system
The troubled Durban University of Technology (DUT) campuses remained closed yesterday as the institution’s management planned to meet with the EFF-led SRC.
This was one of the attempts aimed at resolving the volatile situation in the wake of the death of a student who was shot during a scuffle between protesting students and private security guards.
DUT senior director of corporate affairs Alan Khan said in a statement that access to all university campuses and registration centres would remain closed.
He encouraged students who had not yet registered to use the university’s online registration system which was accessible through its website.
“DUT management would like to apologise to staff, students, parents and guardians for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure following the violent protests and the tragic events this week. University management is working tirelessly around the clock trying to resolve the current state of affairs at the institution. The management team will be meeting the SRC today [yesterday] to discuss the current situation and to find a way forward,” said Khan.
On Wednesday, DUT vicechancellor Thandwa Mthembu apologised for the death of thirdyear business management student Mlungisi Madonsela who was shot during a scuffle with members of the private security company Xcellent Security Services on Tuesday.
Two security guards linked to the fatal shooting were taken in for questioning by the police on Tuesday night and were released on Wednesday.
Mthembu said the private security guards were hired to protect students and staff from criminals as there had been a number of muggings.
The university would also conduct its own parallel investigation to that of the police, but Mthembu would not be drawn on whether the security contract with Xcellent would be reviewed in the wake of the fatal incident.
Meanwhile, students from Thekwini TVET College’s Asherville campus in Durban also protested yesterday over accommodation.