VIDEO: Students close down Rhodes University

There has been a total academic shutdown at Rhodes as students protest.

A group of about 100 students, some armed with sticks, even turned away people wanting to work out at the Rhodes gym early this morning.

Academic and other activities were suspended at Rhodes University today after hundreds of protesting students blocked every entry road and entrance to the university from the crack of dawn.

Students are protesting minimum initial fee payments (MIP), fee increases and generally high university fees.

Vice chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela said in a circular to university staff that management was aware of the blockading of entrances to campus and protest action at residences and he said it had been decided to suspend all academic activities planned for today.

On its Facebook page, the Rhodes SRC called on all students to join in the protest as high fees affected everyone.