Timeline – The crisis at UKZN

At least 40 arrests have been made across the varsity's campuses. Here's a look at developments concerning the recent history of protests at UKZN. 

Protest against alleged police brutality - September 2016 

With plans to hand over a memorandum to police authorities, students consisting mostly of women have worn black t-shirts and marched against the alleged brutality by police and employees of a private security company hired by the university. 

"We cannot continue living in an environment where our constitutionally entrenched rights are being violated by the people entrusted to [protect us]," the memorandum reads. 

A video - circulated on social media shows men purporting to be police officers assaulting a student. They have also been accused of forcefully removing students from campuses and residences. 

Vehicles and property set alight - September 2016 

Protests began again on Monday, the 4th, after some universities proposed an 8 % fee increase for 2017. In the first arson-related incident - students took to social media to share images of a fire at a cafeteria in Howard College. Later in the week, a hall - believed to be an exam venue - was torched in Pietermaritzburg. While, 22 students were arrested after six cars were torched in Westville. 

Charges relating to public violence and arson were then laid. Most recently, a section of the law library including learning material was set alight at Howard College. Speaking on the recent violence at both UKZN and the University of Zululand, the ANC says a task team will be deployed in an attempt to address students, and bring calm.

UKZN Fees protest - August 2016 

As the announcement on fee hikes for 2017 by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande was pending, students began protest action at UKZN's Pietermaritzburg campus on potential increases in fees, financial aid and the conditions of student residences. An urgent meeting - meant to take place between management and student representatives - did not materialise after students instead demanded the release of those arrested during the unrest. 

In August, a Commission of Inquiry sat to discuss the feasibility of free education. Amongst other discussion points, talks were held on the potentil contributions of the private sector and how to sustain financial assistance for needy students. The commission is expected to submit a report to President Jacob Zuma in November. 

Click here to see a memorandum of demands submitted by students. 

Fees Must Fall movement - October 2015 

President Jacob Zuma announced late last year that there would be a 0% increase in tertiary fees for the 2016 academic year following countrywide 'Fees Must Fall' protests. The movement that began at Wits university saw students stand up against the approximately 10% increase in fees announced by the Department of Higher Education. A 6% increase announced by Minister Blade Nzimande was also rejected. 

The march quickly spread to other institutions, resulting in a nationwide lockdown. Thousands of students marched to the Union Buildings demanding the no-fee increment and quality education while KZN students marched to the legislature in Pietermaritzburg. South Africans abroad as well students from across the globe pledged their support to the campaign.

King George V statue defaced - March 2015 

Last year, students defaced a statue of King George V erected in front of the Law Faculty - with the words 'end white privilege' smeared on it. This came after a series of student protests at the University of Cape Town over the statue of Cecil John Rhodes. The statue on UCT's upper campus was subsequently removed. While some students said the monument served as a reminder of colonialism, others said it still formed part of their history.