NMU student arrested during protest at Summerstrand campus
A Nelson Mandela University student was arrested yesterday morning for blocking people from accessing the university’s 2nd Avenue Summerstrand campus.
The action follows a series of student protests at NMU last week related to a dispute over accommodation and living allowance funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), together with their tuition grant money.
NMU spokesperson Zandile Mbabela said yesterday the protest started earlier elsewhere on the university property.
“A group of protesting students blockaded entrances to Nelson Mandela University’s north and south campuses this morning, restricting access,” she said.
“The institution’s protection services personnel managed to clear the blockade, after which students moved to the 2nd Avenue campus.”
Mbabela said restricting access to university premises was in contravention of a court order issued earlier this month.
“Police were at the 2nd Avenue campus to enforce the court order and one student was arrested for being in contravention thereof.
“The university reminds students that while they have a right to protest, this should not infringe on those who want to access the campus for learning and teaching and other operational activities.”
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said Public Order Police members responded to protest action at NMU’s 2nd Avenue campus in Summerstrand at 9.35am.
“On arrival, there were approximately 100 students busy protesting.
“One stun grenade and one CS gas [teargas] canister was used to disperse the crowd.
“One 22-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of contravening a court interdict.
“Police are still monitoring the situation.”
She said the student would appear in the Gqeberha magistrate’s court during the week.
Tourism diploma first year student Owam Nyama, from De Aar in the Northern Cape, said she had taken part in the protest because she had received no accommodation or living allowance money from NSFAS.
“I received money to cover my studying but nothing towards my accommodation or living allowance.
“My mother doesn’t have either so I don’t know what I am going to do.
“NMU has been trying on our behalf to talk to NSFAS but there has been no resolution yet.”
NSFAS did not respond to requests for comment regarding the issue of non-payment.