WATCH: DUT students gather at court, while religious groups march with students at UKZN PMB
A group of about 100 Durban University of Technology students have gathered outside the Durban Magistrate's this morning - in support two fellow students who was arrested by police this week.
They chanted: "Blade Nzimande is denying us free education", and said that the higher education minister must remain answerable to all students.
Scores of students are currently inside Court A, where the arrested student's case is being heard.
#DUT About 100 students have gathered outside the Durban Magistrates Court where a fellow student will be appearing for public violence pic.twitter.com/qv2wkEfYMK
— Khatija Nxedlana (@its_KhaTija) September 29, 2016
#DUT About 100 students have gathered outside the Durban Magistrates Court where a fellow student will be appearing for public violence pic.twitter.com/qv2wkEfYMK
— Khatija Nxedlana (@its_KhaTija) September 29, 2016
This follows a meeting held yesterday between university management, members of the SRC, and representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training, and NSFAS.
On Wednesday, protesting students marched to the Coastlands Hotel in Musgrave, where the closed meeting was taking place.
They were demanding an audience with minister Nzimande.
A clash between police and students ensued, with police having to use tear gas on the crowds - who hurled rocks at them.
In a communique issued by management yesterday, students were told that the academic programme would be cancelled today and tomorrow, though staff were expected to return to duty on Thursday.
Meanwhile at UKZN, lectures are commencing on schedule across all campuses.
COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORPORATE RELATIONS
— UKZN (@UKZN) September 28, 2016
afternoon UPDATE: PROTEST ACTION pic.twitter.com/WWEgmuXVEl
However, there's a strong police presence at the UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus, where earlier this week a residence was set alight.
Guess there goes ANC rallies & DA laager meetings ... #FeesMustFall #UKZN https://t.co/NXIu2YFHa4
— Harold Ferwood (@Harold_Ferwood) September 29, 2016
Earlier today, religious groups joined students, staff and community members in a silent walkabout around the campus - allegedly against a militarised police presensce at the institution.
Church leaders shocked at the militarisation of UKZN PMB #FeesMustFall pic.twitter.com/2aTEo6R6nx
— Clint Le Bruyns (@ClintLeBruyns) September 29, 2016