University of Fort Hare students resolved to end their class boycott on condition that vice-chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu commits in writing to meet all their demands.
This decision was taken at a mass meeting at the university’s East London campus held yesterday.
Student representative council premier Kwanele Ntantala said students had drafted a list of demands and made it clear they would only return to class if responded to positively.
He said one of the issues was proper investigation into allegations students levelled against nursing sciences acting head Ntombana Rala.
“Students made it clear that during the period of the investigation, the lecturer in question must not be on campus. They said she is the acting head and might interfere with investigations,” he said.
Other demands included:
lAllowing concurrent registration;
lReregistration of all nursing students; and
lAllowing nursing students back to classes without bringing their parents.
“Another issue students rejected was the signing of undertakings by nursing students that they will not take part in any further protest on campus,” he said.
Academic programmes on the campus were disrupted at the beginning of this month when nursing science students demanded the removal of Rala.
Student leaders Ntsikelelo Macingwane, Ongezwa Mangati and Yonela Gxothiwe were suspended after they were accused of causing damage to university property and improper conduct on university premises.
They were instructed to vacate the university residence until appearing before the disciplinary hearing.
The department was then closed and students ordered to bring their parents or guardian.
Three other students who were suspended for taking part in the anti-Rala actions received suspended sentences yesterday.
University spokesman Khotso Moabi was not available at the time of writing. — sinom@dispatch.co.za
UFH boycott will end ‘if demands are met’
This decision was taken at a mass meeting at the university’s East London campus held yesterday.
Student representative council premier Kwanele Ntantala said students had drafted a list of demands and made it clear they would only return to class if responded to positively.
He said one of the issues was proper investigation into allegations students levelled against nursing sciences acting head Ntombana Rala.
“Students made it clear that during the period of the investigation, the lecturer in question must not be on campus. They said she is the acting head and might interfere with investigations,” he said.
Other demands included:
lAllowing concurrent registration;
lReregistration of all nursing students; and
lAllowing nursing students back to classes without bringing their parents.
“Another issue students rejected was the signing of undertakings by nursing students that they will not take part in any further protest on campus,” he said.
Academic programmes on the campus were disrupted at the beginning of this month when nursing science students demanded the removal of Rala.
Student leaders Ntsikelelo Macingwane, Ongezwa Mangati and Yonela Gxothiwe were suspended after they were accused of causing damage to university property and improper conduct on university premises.
They were instructed to vacate the university residence until appearing before the disciplinary hearing.
The department was then closed and students ordered to bring their parents or guardian.
Three other students who were suspended for taking part in the anti-Rala actions received suspended sentences yesterday.
University spokesman Khotso Moabi was not available at the time of writing. — sinom@dispatch.co.za
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