PRETORIA – The University of Pretoria has started suspending students who engaged in illegal protests and the disruption of lectures at the Hatfield Campus this week.
Protests began after Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande announced on Monday that universities would be allowed to hike their fees – although capped at eight percent.
Some students are demanding that all higher education be free, and have vowed to protest until this demand has been met.
While university management has not been able to say how many students have been suspended, it has confirmed several have already been served with notices.
The university’s Anna-Retha Bouwer says management has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful behaviour.
“The university respects the right to peaceful protest and constructive engagement, but we can’t allow the disruption of classes, violent or unlawful behaviour and damage to property. Students engaging in such activities will immediately be suspended.”
The Hatfield campus has been shut indefinitely.
