Campus on a knife edge

REGISTRATION and accommodation issues continue to impact access to education for many University of Zululand (Unizulu) students, resulting in a potentially volatile situation.

Tensions reached boiling point in KwaDlangezwa last Thursday when desperate applicants sought answers on their university applications.

By all accounts there was no violence, but some students were removed from classrooms while others gathered to sing struggle songs on campus, despite the rain.

Students owing the university more than R10 000 are denied registration until 50% of their debt has been settled.

While this is standard university procedure, it still causes friction on campus as returning students frantically search for resolutions.

Earlier this year, some students resorted to violent riots, with parts of the institution burned, and property damage.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) reportedly intervened to de-escalate tensions, encouraging blocked students to apply for SRC funding to pay off debts.

According to SRC media and publicity officer Luyanda Gumede, the list of applicants' names was submitted to the finance department.

‘The frustration was that the list had not returned from the finance office and students were worried because Friday was supposed to be the last day for registrations,’ said Gumede.

‘Students gathered to find answers, and unfortunately the SRC fund couldn’t help everyone. Recipients were selected according to their academic records.

‘The SRC is still trying to negotiate with the university on finding ways to help the students.’

Student safety concern

Alongside registration challenges, student accommodation and safety also remains a pressing issue.

The institution has insufficient residences for students, with first-year students prioritised. Many others have to find off-campus accommodation which poses a security risk.

The ZO received an open letter from Hlakanipho Zondi which highlighted some of the major concerns regarding students living off-campus.

‘Robberies, aggravated assaults and house breaking will again become common occurrences off-campus,’ he stated, adding that a lack of accountability from landlords makes this even more challenging.

Previously, the institution had to be closed, with all activities suspended after students embarked on mass protests over the safety and security of students living off-campus.

At the latest protest, students blocked roads, vandalised the eSikhaleni cemetery, barricaded the R102 and N2, and torched the satellite police station.

Thirty arrests were made. According to the SRC, housing plans are being discussed and a resolution will be found.

Unizulu was contacted for comment, but none was forthcoming at the time of going to print.