THE MERCURY
The Downtown Hotel in Durbans Point area is accommodating University of KwaZulu-Natal students left without shelter after a mix-up with their accommodation arrangements. Photo: Sandile Makgoba
Durban – The Durban campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal was brought to a standstill on Wednesday when riot police were brought in to control protesting students and restore calm after lectures were disrupted and a student was hit on the head with a brick.
Students were continuing the protests, which started on Monday, for better accommodation, after they were put up in what they said were “unsafe” hotels in the Point area.
“We will not stop until we are given proper accommodation,” said one of the leaders, addressing a cheering crowd with a megaphone.
The university said it had obtained a court interdict “restraining any further disruptions and illegal gatherings on the university’s five campuses”.
“We wish to reiterate that the student accommodation matter that arose over the weekend is under investigation. At present, the students are being accommodated in various facilities in the city.”
“The university is committed to peaceful and constructive dialogue to address student issues,” the statement read.
The students’ anger began after they were refused entry to Durban’s Royal Hotel. UKZN had arranged for them to stay there after they had been forced to check out of Coastlands Hotel, which had another, long-standing booking.
The 500-plus destitute students were guests in the hotel because of ongoing problems at the university’s residences.
While student leaders, who did not wish to be named, alleged the protests were about creating awareness and no one had been intimidated, several students not involved in the action painted a violent picture.
Tania Brauninger, a second-year student, said protesters barged into lectures and threw rocks, board dusters and bottles at those present.
When students refused to leave, the protesters left, but returned later in greater numbers. They then turned off the lights and more items were thrown.
Second-year engineering student Tyler da Silva recounted similar events. “They first rolled up the projector screen, and then began to make as much noise as possible, hitting desks, kicking doors and drumming with the sticks they had brought along,” he said.
Outside the lecture halls, on the steps leading to the Student Union, blood clearly stained the ground, tangible evidence of the violence.
The university’s spokeswoman, Nomonde Mbadi, confirmed a student was injured when hit by a brick, and was taken to hospital.
King Edward VIII Hospital spokesman Nontobeko Ndlela said a student was being assessed by doctors, but was in no condition to speak to the media. Students complained pepper spray was used on them by security guards.
The students plan to continue protesting until their demands are met. Yesterday they were also sending around a petition to be signed in support of their right to protest.
Police spokesman Thulani Zwane confirmed police had been sent to manage the situation.
kevin.lancaster@inl.co.za
The Mercury
