By Zuko Komisa
Wits University students protest over financial exclusion and lack of student accommodation
Numerous students at Wits University have blocked off the main campus entrance in protest of “financial exclusion and shortage of accommodation.”
To make their demands known, the student representative council (SRC) gathered students early on Wednesday and blocked the Yale Road North entrance on Empire Road.
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SRC member Penipeni Tshabalala spoke to Kaya 959 News and outlined why there was an urgent need for the protest.
“We have been communicating with this institution for the last two weeks, there are thousands of students without accommodation.
“There are still thousands of students that are not registered and out of the system, we did send concessions to the institution and the institution has not responded and said anything.”
“Student’s frustrations have reached a point where we said, ‘this is the only last resort’. that we can take as students.” said Tshabalala
[WATCH] SRC member Penipeni Tshabalala outlines why they've taken to demonstrating at the entrance way of #WitsUniversity.
— Kaya 959 News (@KayaNews) March 1, 2023
He outlines issues over registration as well as student accommodation. KS pic.twitter.com/871KgOkvrp
#Wits students demonstrate inside the institution. Some students are leaving campus because of cancelled classes. Heavy security presence. KS pic.twitter.com/3DHe5FH2bP
— Kaya 959 News (@KayaNews) March 1, 2023
350 beds have reportedly been secured from accredited private housing facilities, according to a statement from the Wits top executive team, for students in need and those who are currently sleeping in libraries and other public areas.
The University also stated that over 36 200 (96%) of Wits’ students have already registered for the 2023 academic year, and postgraduate admissions are expected to continue all year.
They further stated that to date over 500 students have been funded at a cost of R18.1 million.
“These students are being assisted on a daily basis as beds become available.
“The university and private service providers are also navigating NSFAS’s decision to cap accommodation costs at R45,000 per annum, which is regrettable.”
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