University of Zululand cancels classes following violent protests

Violent protests erupted earlier today as students burnt tyres on the premises and barricaded the entrance of the university.

The university's director of marketing and communications, Gcina Nhleko, says talks with affected parties have been ongoing for the past three weeks.

"In terms of the students we are not aware of the prevailing issues that they have, but in terms of the staff members there are a number of requests or demands that they have tabled to management which were under discussion. For example, the issue of underpayment, employer learning outsourcing and insourcing of cooperatives," she said.

KZN police's Thulani Zwane says a truck belonging to the institution was set alight, while a police vehicle was also damaged during the protests.

"Eight students were arrested at the university today by police and they were tried for public violence. They are due to appear in the magistrates court tomorrow facing these charges," he said.

The university says it's still evaluating the extent of the damage caused.