Staff Reporter
The Central University of Technology (CUT) has been forced to take an early recess at its Welkom campus in the northern Free State following a spate of disturbances by students.
In a statement released Friday, the university, which also has a campus in Bloemfontein, said management had decided to start the academic recess on March 13 in a bid to find time to address some of the issues and ensure the safety of staff and students as well as protect CUT property.
The second term will commence on March 30.
“Management . . . regrets a spate of disruptions at the Welkom campus caused by a group of students during the past three weeks,” said the statement.
“The decision comes as a result of continual disruptions of the academic programme, incidents of violence, intimidation, threats and victimisation of employees and fellow students, and damage to property by these students.
“These developments have resulted in the campus being unsafe for the continuation of normal academic activities.
“Given the nature of this recess, the Welkom campus will not be accessible to students during this recess period.”
The university said management will engage further with all stakeholders in an attempt to identify challenges within the institution and find sustainable solutions.
The CUT vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Henk de Jager, said: “We take this matter very seriously and, in collaboration with the university council, will continue to work together with all stakeholders to safeguard the academic programme, as well as our staff and students.”
The university expressed disappointment at the disruptions saying since December 2019 management had worked tirelessly and had continuous positive engagements with the student leadership and key staff members towards ensuring a smooth start to the 2020 academic year.
“After all the . . . engagements, management has made many concessions to address the concerns, expectations and demands of students. Despite all these efforts, disruptions of the academic programme at the Welkom campus continues unabated,” the statement said.
Several universities in the country have been rocked by disruptions since the start of the academic year as students demanded timely disbursements of their allowances for transport, accommodation and meals, among others.