Students are staging a sit-in at Stellenbosch University's Admin B building, dubbed "Winnie Mandela House" - preventing staff from leaving.
University spokesperson Martin Viljoen told News24 that between 30 and 40 students had occupied the building since Monday afternoon in protest against student fee increases. He said it was not clear who had arranged the sit-in.
"Staff members are speaking to the students to [convince them to] allow those inside the building to leave."
The action comes two days before a mass demonstration planned at the university by the students' representative council (SRC).
SRC vice-chairperson James de Villiers said its executive had rejected the 11.5% increase proposed by the university last week.
"[We] call on management to reduce the increase in line with national inflation," he said.
"The SRC is deeply concerned by the negative effect this increase will have on several students and their families. This increase comes mere months before the start of the new academic year, translating into families not having ample time to respond or prepare."
The fee hike also "increases the risk of middle class families requiring financial aid and further perpetuating the reality of universities as exclusive institutions," he said.
The sit-in comes amid protests at several universities around the country against proposed fee hikes.
News24 - http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Stellenbosch-students-prevent-staff-from-leaving-20151019
University spokesperson Martin Viljoen told News24 that between 30 and 40 students had occupied the building since Monday afternoon in protest against student fee increases. He said it was not clear who had arranged the sit-in.
"Staff members are speaking to the students to [convince them to] allow those inside the building to leave."
The action comes two days before a mass demonstration planned at the university by the students' representative council (SRC).
SRC vice-chairperson James de Villiers said its executive had rejected the 11.5% increase proposed by the university last week.
"[We] call on management to reduce the increase in line with national inflation," he said.
"The SRC is deeply concerned by the negative effect this increase will have on several students and their families. This increase comes mere months before the start of the new academic year, translating into families not having ample time to respond or prepare."
The fee hike also "increases the risk of middle class families requiring financial aid and further perpetuating the reality of universities as exclusive institutions," he said.
The sit-in comes amid protests at several universities around the country against proposed fee hikes.
News24 - http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Stellenbosch-students-prevent-staff-from-leaving-20151019
