Walter Sisulu University students yesterday marched from the College Street delivery site in East London to Cambridge Street to air grievances. Traffic was disrupted for a few minutes around midday in the East London CBD during the protest, organised under the banner of the South African Students Congress (Sasco).
Students had allegedly tried to mobilise others from the Potsdam and Chiselhurst sites, but were met by security guards and not allowed to enter the premises. Police were also visible but no arrests were made.
The university caters for approximately 7 000 students at the Buffalo City campus.
Student demands to management include:
● Addressing insufficient funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which renders students unable to register and get accommodation;
● The suspension of Rikus Stander, a lecturer in the engineering department whom they accuse of being racist;
● Resolving allegations against Inyathi Security officers of victimisation of students at residences; and
● Appointing lecturers for the construction and accounting technology modules.
WSU acting spokesman Thando Cezula said he had not received any “official correspondence” on disruptions.
“Walter Sisulu University can confirm that the Buffalo City Campus Student Representative Council has mobilised its student constituency in protest.
“The university has received a memorandum from the student body and some of the issues raised have already been resolved.” Cezula said a meeting would be held today between management and students.
WSU SRC president and Sasco chairman in Buffalo City Misheck Mugabe said they were not happy as somewould be going home, unable to register. “It is sad that the insufficient funds are also affecting final year students. If today’s meeting yields positive results, we will suspend it immediately.”
Sasco chairman in Chiselhurst Zolile Zamisa said students were aggrieved because more than 1 000 of them could not get funding for accommodation from NSFAS.
NSFAS spokesman Tsepo Khanye said the organisation would only be able to respond to questions today.
Students demand action from WSU
Students had allegedly tried to mobilise others from the Potsdam and Chiselhurst sites, but were met by security guards and not allowed to enter the premises. Police were also visible but no arrests were made.
The university caters for approximately 7 000 students at the Buffalo City campus.
Student demands to management include:
● Addressing insufficient funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which renders students unable to register and get accommodation;
● The suspension of Rikus Stander, a lecturer in the engineering department whom they accuse of being racist;
● Resolving allegations against Inyathi Security officers of victimisation of students at residences; and
● Appointing lecturers for the construction and accounting technology modules.
WSU acting spokesman Thando Cezula said he had not received any “official correspondence” on disruptions.
“Walter Sisulu University can confirm that the Buffalo City Campus Student Representative Council has mobilised its student constituency in protest.
“The university has received a memorandum from the student body and some of the issues raised have already been resolved.” Cezula said a meeting would be held today between management and students.
WSU SRC president and Sasco chairman in Buffalo City Misheck Mugabe said they were not happy as somewould be going home, unable to register. “It is sad that the insufficient funds are also affecting final year students. If today’s meeting yields positive results, we will suspend it immediately.”
Sasco chairman in Chiselhurst Zolile Zamisa said students were aggrieved because more than 1 000 of them could not get funding for accommodation from NSFAS.
NSFAS spokesman Tsepo Khanye said the organisation would only be able to respond to questions today.
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