TUT still at standstill as exams loom

IT IS now five weeks since academic activities came to a halt at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Soshanguve – and it remains unclear when they will resume.

Despite the impasse and confusion, management remains adamant that exams will start on November 12 as planned. The situation has left students in limbo as they claim there has been no communication between the university and student leaders.

University spokesperson Willa de Ruyter said that since academic activities for students were suspended indefinitely, there had been no engagement with student leaders.

“However, the Soshanguve community has been identified as a key stakeholder group towards stabilising the situation at those two campuses,” said De Ruyter.

She added that a meeting with communities neighbouring the Soshanguve North and South campuses would take place this week.

There were problems over the year at the two campuses, with the taverns that line the main entrances being singled out for contributing to the lawlessness at the university.

Student leaders said they were unhappy with the lack of communication on the current impasse.

SRC deputy president Kevin Phehla said the university was aloof and had even hired bouncers to keep students out. Student leaders complained that bringing in bouncers was a waste of money and they were pleading with management to have a sit-down with the SRC on the matter.

A contingency plan has been introduced to make up for the lost time and ensure students are not disadvantaged.

However, students feel there is not enough time as there have been no classes in about a month. Academic activities at other TUT campuses are proceeding as normal.